Published in 1932, this novel was certainly way ahead of its time, and chock-full of premonitory concepts. The author clearly realized the importance of forming ones own opinions and judgements, and the catastrophic results of such freedoms being controlled. This concept seems eerily prescient as we examine our current situation, where propaganda is communicated at every turn, we are told of "fake news" and what we should believe, and racism and prejudice seem to be the norm at the highest levels of government, hinting at a preferred or dominant race. Sometimes, it is a bit disconcerting to ponder the idea that things could certainly take such a turn in this type of environment.
Realizing that I sound a bit like a conspiracy theorist, I must add that this novel was completely far-fetched, but does have some ideas that makes the reader consider just how blurred the lines have become. Some of the scenes were rather distasteful, and I could have done without ("orgy-porgy" for example), but I also understood what Mr. Huxley was intending to relate: that group identity, at the expense of one's self is a dangerous combination.
All things considered, this was an intriguing classic dystopian novel, that certainly made me think.
Read 11/17/17
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