8th Form Book Club: A Single Man

Eli Joseph

Before half-term we met once again for our second Lower Eighth form book club – this time joined by some eager Upper Eighths! For the evening, we turned our attention to Christopher Isherwood’s classic novel A Single Man.
 

Books of the Week

Today's book recommendations come from 4A.  

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley 
Recommended by Julian Bone

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is a ground-breaking work about societal control through genetic manipulation, subliminal conditioning and socially acceptable drug use. 

In this world you are not born, you are decanted; the institution of the traditional family has fallen apart, and is even considered obscene. Children run about naked and wild, experimenting with sex from a shockingly young age. This is a world where everyone's body belongs to everyone else. Promiscuity is encouraged as well as mass consumption and instant gratification. Men and women take a drug called 'soma' to mellow any pesky emotions. It is also used in religious-like ceremonies and public gatherings to create a kind of ecstasy. A strict caste system is in place from the moment a baby is decanted. Societal values are whispered into children's ears thousands of times per week while they sleep. So, when they grow up, they fit seamlessly into the role that the world has chosen for them from conception. But not everyone is happy in this world. Can you imagine that? Perhaps they just need more soma...