Review: A Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess

So you have to be okay with violence in order to get through A Clockwork Orange. This is a (don't be too surprised) a coming of age novel; the book follows a teenager of the future as he becomes an adult. Teenagers in Burgess' future are extremely violent and criminal. So there is quiet a lot of that described in the novel. Furthermore, the teenagers use a new slang. Initially I think that this makes the novel extremely difficult to understand. However, just like classic books you get used to the dialog and what different slang means. Still, I recommend that you get the audio book version, if you can. I liked the one narrated by Tom Hollander. This uses the words in tones that makes it easier to identify their meaning. If that doesn't work, don't be afraid to look at the back of the book, there is a dictionary of the slang words (at least in mine). Also, if you enjoy psychology or are interest in it, you will appreciate the use of classical/operant conditioning (think Pavlov's dog). My opinion of this book was that it was enjoyable, but not my favorite. I think if you liked Fight Club, you will enjoy this book and vice versa. They both mix violence and psychology in a way that is exciting and terrible (in a good way) at the same time. The future slang writing was also interesting, just make sure you don't start saying them or people will think you're crazy.