So ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (ACO) is my all-time favourite novel, ever. I have so much love for it, every time I come across a copy somewhere I must have it (back story to each book in final paragraph)! That is also the case for ACO merchandise… judging by my iconic, cult classic Stanley Kubrick ACO film socks and patch permanently attached to my rucksack.
Now enough about my addiction…and let’s crack on with the book review!
This cult classic, previously banned in the US novel was written by Anthony Burgess in 1962. After being told he had very few months to live upon discovery of a brain tumour in 1959, Burgess was determined to write full-time and proved doctors wrong by writing a book every year until his death in 1993. As a graduate of English Language and Literature, he was enthralled by language and used his linguist knowledge to masterfully create his own language for the book, known as ‘nadsat’ in ACO. This is by far my favourite aspect of the book, since the narrative is difficult to follow since essentially being a mash-up of cockney rhyming slang and Russian. I do assure you it gets easier to understand and I urge you to keep reading as that’s the beauty of the book…you become somewhat brainwashed by the language!
The dystopian novel tells the story of teenager, Alex and his ‘drouges’ who wreak havoc across a near-future, dreary London, completing awful acts of ‘ultra-violence’. The made-up language also makes the abhorrent acts more palatable. Now, I won’t say anymore about the story as the charm of the book is based on the events after this. As such, all i’ll say is and most importantly, Burgess cleverly, philosophically invites readers to determine whether,
Is it morally right to choose to be good or rather be forced to?
It’s relatively short, practically a novella, meaning it could be easily read in an afternoon (thanks covid). Which also adds to the experience since it’s split into three sections, with the first and third mirroring one another, which is also another cool aspect to reflect on upon completing.
Well this review wasn’t really much of one because I love it too much to spoil anything. Maybe at some point, i’ll add more for those who have read it and would like to hear my GCSE/A LEVEL english essay style opinion of it!
Now as most readers agree, books are much better than the film. However, I do adore Stanley Kubrick’s version of ACO as it’s own film, in its own right due to the change of ending mirroring the US version of the book removing the final chapter. The more sinister ending led to the banning of the film in England until Burgess’ death, which I also find fascinating. Anywho it’s still worth a watch, but AFTER reading the beautiful book first!
A note on my picture: My fave copy is the colourful one farthest to the right gifted to me, from a very dear friend, as I found myself drawn to his bookshelf (Rob shoutout). The middle hardback copy is from a charity shop in Brighton, during a ‘charity shop haul’ with my wonderful housemates (Beth and Bradley shoutout) in September. The emblematic ‘milk’ copy was a Christmas present from the mumsy.
Movie quote: “Stay Gold, Ponyboy”- Johnny from The Outsiders (Again the book was better but the film was 80s gold with the Brat pack).
Amber Reads something 