@Dante I think it’s simultaneously far fetched, yet very real. It shows the power of society and negative viewpoints of differences in opinions/lifestyles/cultures. It’s a futuristic metaphor for what we’re living right now; though not as bad, yet. I think the point was to take an idea so far fetched, yet themed around very real problems that would offer an opportunity for people’s minds to open and expand. But, I still get puzzled by the end.
It was written a long time ago, in the 30s. It is not a traditional novel, and I was amazed by how many almost coincidences there are with current events that at that time sounded like sci fi. These horrible things don’t sound like sci-fi now…
Pneumatic means hot like a porn star or harlequin cover guy. The reduction of attractiveness to the most superficial level…in other words, kind of like where we are right now.
I read it yonks ago so my memories aren’t that clear, but I remember certain aspects (the eugenics, the soma drug, the population kept docile by happiness) that seem even more prescient in a way than even 1984. I think the power of those ideas compensate for any deficiencies it may have as a pure “novel” if that makes sense.
I love it. It’s a reflection on what happiness really is. Happiness that means anything requires SOME struggle and some confrontation with the real world. The citizens of BNR have alot of sex and play alot of cool games, but their contentment is that of a farm animal, not a human. You can easily see how our society has developed somewhat in this direction…people WANT the braindead happiness of consumer culture and recreational sex, although so far they don’t achieve it.
It’s one of my favorite books by far. I prefer it to the dystopia in ‘1984.’ Huxley just had a much better vision of what a sustainably mollified populace looks like. BNW is a warning against science applied to controlling individuals (hypnopaedia, ‘hatcheries,’ breeding for castes, etc.) Unsettingly, it looks a lot like our own. In what ways is it ‘odd’ to you? Just curious.
I’d argue that soma is more akin to certain pharmaceuticals. Soma in BNW is distributed by authority. Until pot is pushed more than prescription drugs, it’s probably not a modern parallel. 🙂
To me its a masterpiece and reflecting where we are heading to or in some cases already are. I wouldn’t call it odd but sadly a rather accurate vision of our future
It was so different but even all these years later, probably 45 years later, I still encounter things in our current life that reminds me of something from that book!
I found it pretty deep and profound, definitely a thought provoking portrayal of our world. Perhaps “odd” for it’s almost lighthearted and comedic tone at times, but I loved the book.
VERY odd. I still have mixed feelings about it.
Barbara Kelly Glad I’m not the only one. What do you think is the reason behind?
@Dante I think it’s simultaneously far fetched, yet very real. It shows the power of society and negative viewpoints of differences in opinions/lifestyles/cultures. It’s a futuristic metaphor for what we’re living right now; though not as bad, yet. I think the point was to take an idea so far fetched, yet themed around very real problems that would offer an opportunity for people’s minds to open and expand. But, I still get puzzled by the end.
Well, I’m currently reading, wanted all of you’re opinions and I’ve got it. Thank you.
Let us know what you think when you finish!
@Barbara Will Do!
Not since we are living it…
It was written a long time ago, in the 30s. It is not a traditional novel, and I was amazed by how many almost coincidences there are with current events that at that time sounded like sci fi. These horrible things don’t sound like sci-fi now…
@Annabelle Exactly. I’m currently reading it tho
My son was appalled by it. It really bothered him. It was an odd book, for sure!
I loved it.
It is one of my favorite books, it can be unnerving comparing it to the world around us.
It confused me when a character was described as “pneumatic”. I never quite got that description.
Pneumatic means hot like a porn star or harlequin cover guy. The reduction of attractiveness to the most superficial level…in other words, kind of like where we are right now.
There is also the connotation of machinelike sex…literally, that the person is a “sex machine”. Again, kind like today’s “ideal”
? it means she has large breasts..
It’s also evidently become just a popular positive slang word in the future the novel’s set in..
It meant Lenina was hot.
I read it yonks ago so my memories aren’t that clear, but I remember certain aspects (the eugenics, the soma drug, the population kept docile by happiness) that seem even more prescient in a way than even 1984. I think the power of those ideas compensate for any deficiencies it may have as a pure “novel” if that makes sense.
I love it. It’s a reflection on what happiness really is. Happiness that means anything requires SOME struggle and some confrontation with the real world. The citizens of BNR have alot of sex and play alot of cool games, but their contentment is that of a farm animal, not a human. You can easily see how our society has developed somewhat in this direction…people WANT the braindead happiness of consumer culture and recreational sex, although so far they don’t achieve it.
It’s been in my TBR pile forever…
It’s worth reading.
I had trouble getting into it, but planning on trying again soon.
It’s one of my favorite books by far. I prefer it to the dystopia in ‘1984.’ Huxley just had a much better vision of what a sustainably mollified populace looks like. BNW is a warning against science applied to controlling individuals (hypnopaedia, ‘hatcheries,’ breeding for castes, etc.) Unsettingly, it looks a lot like our own. In what ways is it ‘odd’ to you? Just curious.
It’s also interesting to compare soma with pot. There are some disturbing parallels.
I’d argue that soma is more akin to certain pharmaceuticals. Soma in BNW is distributed by authority. Until pot is pushed more than prescription drugs, it’s probably not a modern parallel. 🙂
That’s one of my favourite books ?
Yes it’s definitely odd…I think that’s probably why I’ve loved it all these years.
Yes, but it’s my favorite book! I’ve always though odd/weird is a good thing.
@Laura Yup. It is.
I adore it. The language is a bit hard for me because my major language is Russian. But the concept and the story are awesome. Very Zamyatin-like
@Dinara Yeah, I’m not a native English either.
@Dante I think reading it on kindle will be better then. Because you can highlight the word and read what it means.
@Dinara Yeah, I’m reading it on Kindle already. Thanks.
Too prophetic
@Jim seriously? Why so?
More a criticism of current events than the book… actually a very great book.
It’s a work of genius, but the “noble savages” part made me deeply uncomfortable. As dystopias go, I prefer Fahrenheit 451.
@Ben if memory serves (which it generally doesn’t) Huxley’s introduction to the Penguin reissue partly addresses your point.
Interesting. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks.
Very compelling
i love the book! The ending… everything…
May have to read this one O_O
To me its a masterpiece and reflecting where we are heading to or in some cases already are. I wouldn’t call it odd but sadly a rather accurate vision of our future
It was so different but even all these years later, probably 45 years later, I still encounter things in our current life that reminds me of something from that book!
Now I want to read this one again! I think I’ve read it 4 or 5 times, but it’s been a while since I’ve read it..
I found it pretty deep and profound, definitely a thought provoking portrayal of our world. Perhaps “odd” for it’s almost lighthearted and comedic tone at times, but I loved the book.
I haven’t read it yet and it’s been on my TBR for long. I have heard good stuff about it.
It is a classic dystopia and has many observations relevant to our times.