43 pages • 1 hour read
J. G. BallardEmpire of the Sun
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Empire of the Sun by J.G. Ballard, 11-year-old Jim, the son of a wealthy British family in Shanghai, is separated from his parents during the 1941 Japanese attack. Surviving by scavenging, he is captured and spends three years in a prison camp. As the Japanese begin to lose the war and the prisoners face starvation, Jim eventually returns to the camp, now liberated by Americans, and is reunited with his parents.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard is praised for its vivid, haunting depiction of a boy's wartime experiences in Shanghai. Ballard's prose is both evocative and poignant, drawing readers into the emotional and physical trials of the protagonist. However, some critics note that certain narrative elements feel detached. Overall, it's a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Empire of the Sun?
Readers who enjoy Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard are typically drawn to historical novels with intense emotional depth and personal struggle. They may also appreciate books like The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, which explore human resilience against the backdrop of World War II.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1130LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Auto/Biographical Fiction
Chinese Literature
Military / War
History: World
WWII / World War II
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Society: War
Society: Colonialism