Monday, May 5, 2008

Review: A Clockwork Orange

Book: A Clockwork Orange
Author: Anthony Burgess

Fiction/Dystopian Fiction

This novel is a must read and exposes the fragility of the human condition within the strict dichotomy of good and evil. Burgess’ linguistic exploration is beautiful in his utilization of cadence and rhythm. Through this specified rhythm he dissects and creates a fantastic and jarring portrait of violence. In the end, Burgess leaves me to wonder how far we each have placated ourselves in order for any one of us to transform into a clockwork orange. The Chester Fritz Library has a few publications of A Clockwork Orange and each one offers a glimpse into the alterations that occur when an author’s work is published. I would suggest reading the most recent publication because it is fully restored whereas the early versions have a missing chapter and may include a glossary of terms; both of which I believe reduces the integrity of the novel in its entirety.

Stephanie Clark
Sophomore

4 comments:

Popular Librarians said...

Thanks Stephanie--let me know exactly which edition you recommend and I'll make a link to it! Kristen

Anonymous said...

PR6052.U638 C5 1972

This would be the copy that would be most comprehensive (in my opinion) that the library owns.
Thanks Kristen!

Popular Librarians said...

Thanks Stephanie for the clarification -- I've created a direct link to ODIN in your review so people can see if it's available (by clicking on the far right side under "Library Owned/Out"

Guess what? Someone generously donated a bunch of Stanley Kubrick DVDs to the library so you've be able to watch A Clockwork Orange too! They are not on the shelves yet, though, but soon there will be quite a few DVDs added to the collection.

Take care, Kristen

Anonymous said...

SWEETNESS!
Thanks much!

Best,
Steph