Anthony Burgess published “A Clockwork Orange” in 1962 and his work was later adapted into a legendary Stanley Kubrick movie. The movie was actually made based on a shortened version of the book, so it’s definitely worth discovering the full story even if you’ve already seen it in pictures.

Youth violence, teenage rebellions and different subculture variations dominate the book. Alex, the protagonist of the story, is very vivid about his violent raids and constant clashed with English authorities. From robbing a store to starting a gang fight, raping and stealing. Emotional trauma, death and misery are the second names of Alex and his friends Georgie, Dim and Peter.

The justice is served and the protagonist is sent to prison. But the horror descriptions don’t stop. Alex agrees to serve as a subject to a trial treatment technique. Supposedly changed into a new person, Alex finds it hard to reintegrate into society as his past constantly hunts him.

That is until he is proclaimed a hero by the Justice Department for finding a traitor to the state. It turns out the stability of the system is more important than the safety and security of the society. Our protagonist finished the book with thoughts contemplating a family and a “normal” job.

The miracle of the story is that despite all the terrible things the teenagers do, the text doesn’t provoke disgust or antipathy to them. The context of the book demonstrates reasons why they act like this.

The impression of the plot is intensified by the choice of language. The author used the Russian argot massively, so it will take you a while to get used to the writing style, but it will for sure leave a lasting impression. The shock and thrill after reading the book will remain with you for many days or even weeks. So are the innovative concepts the author devised.

Author: Cody Owens