Book Review: The Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Wondering whether Lord of the Flies by William Golding is worth your time? This Lord of the Flies book review explains why this short but unsettling classic is still so widely read – and why it continues to matter.

Lord of the Flies Summary

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a dystopian classic that explores what happens when civilisation disappears.

It begins when a plane carrying a group of schoolboys crashes on a desert island. They remain stranded there without adult supervision.

What could possibly go wrong?

By day, the boys discover fantastic wildlife and dazzling beaches, learning to survive.

But at night, they are haunted by nightmares of a primitive beast.

Orphaned by society, it isn’t long before their innocent childhood games devolve into a savage, murderous hunt…

Lord of the Flies Book Review

Lord of the Flies had been sitting on my TBR pile (to-be-read pile) for years before I finally picked it up in my mid-twenties.

Like many readers, I was aware of it mainly as a school text, and I wish I had studied it at school, because reading it as an adult was genuinely shocking.

It’s all about a group of schoolboys who become stranded on a desert island. But don’t let the young ensemble lead you into thinking this is a children’s book.

Lord of the Flies is a lot darker than I imagined, and I was horrified by several scenes and by how quickly the boys’ behaviour shifts once the structures of adult society are removed

At first, the young boys attempt to mimic an orderly adult society on the island. They assign roles, keep a signal fire burning, and attempt to work together so they can be rescued.

But without consequences or supervision, that fragile sense of civilisation collapses. Power struggles emerge and some boys become violent, cruel and brutal in their bid to survive.

The small society they have attempted to build on this remote island eventually descends into chaos, prompting the reader to question the capacity for supposedly civilised humans to be savage.

And trust me when I say the ending really is just that – savage.

Although Lord of the Flies is a relatively simple tale, Golding’s writing is rich, and the symbolism is clever.

Golding doesn’t rely on dramatic twists, and instead, the tension builds slowly as small compromises lead to catastrophic outcomes.

This story aims to show how savage humans can be when left to their own devices, and there’s no order or morals.

The result is a story that feels deeply uncomfortable because it doesn’t seem exaggerated.

This book leaves you feeling uncomfortable as you start to realise that man in a “civilised” society may not be any better. 

Golding reminds us that we all have the capacity for darkness and cruelty. This story stays with readers long after they have turned the last page because it is so haunting. And it’s haunting because it’s clear that this could so easily happen in the society we live in today.

The island is used as a microcosm for society, forcing the reader to confront the idea that savagery isn’t something external – it’s something humans carry within themselves.

Key Themes in Lord of the Flies

Although Lord of the Flies is a relatively short and accessible read, it tackles some weighty ideas:

• Civilisation vs savagery – how thin the line really is
• Power and leadership – who we choose to follow, and why
• Fear as a controlling force – how easily it overrides reason
• Democracy vs authoritarianism – order through cooperation or domination

One of the most interesting questions the book raises is whether people should be forced to follow a leader because they are ‘rational’ and ‘moral’, or whether we should be allowed to follow whoever presents a view that most aligns with the majority’s desires, whatever they may be.

It’s a question that feels just as relevant now as it did when the book was first published.

Should You Read Lord of the Flies?

Read it if:

• You enjoy classic dystopian novels
• You’re interested in psychology, power, and moral questions
• You want a thought-provoking book that stays with you long after finishing

You might not enjoy it if:

• You prefer light or uplifting reads
• You’re looking for fast-paced action or clear-cut heroes
• You dislike disturbing or unsettling themes

But my personal view?

Lord of the Flies is a classic for a reason. It’s well worth a read and really quite readable as classics go.

Despite its reputation as a “school book”, Lord of the Flies is surprisingly readable and not particularly long.

So, if you’re looking for a short classic book to ease yourself into reading classics, this is a great place to start.

Reading this book is also important so that you understand some Lord of the Flies references that get bandied about in conversation on occasion.

Who are Ralph and Piggy? And what is a conch?

If you haven’t read this classic book yet, then I recommend adding it to your book wishlist ASAP. It’s chilling, but well-written and a good read.

Why Lord of the Flies Still Matters Today

What makes Lord of the Flies so haunting is how easily its themes translate to modern life. Strip away structure, accountability, or shared values, and society can unravel far faster than we like to believe.

Golding reminds us that progress and civility aren’t guaranteed – they require constant effort.

That uncomfortable truth is exactly why this book continues to be read, discussed, and referenced decades later.

Memorable Lord of the Flies Quotes

“Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.”

“The thing is – fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.”

“We did everything adults would do. What went wrong?”

“The greatest ideas are the simplest.”

“What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?”

“We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English, and the English are best at everything.”

Find a copy of Lord of the Flies on:
Amazon

If you liked this post, check out these:
Books Like The Hunger Games
Books Like The Handmaid’s Tale
Young Adult Dystopian Books for Teens
15 Gothic Books to Read