50 pages 1 hour read

John Lanchester

The Wall

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Wall by John Lanchester follows Joseph Kavanagh, a young Defender tasked with protecting the United Kingdom's Wall built to stave off climate refugees, called Others, in a dystopian future ravaged by severe climate change. As Joseph navigates the harsh life on the Wall, he grapples with his role, survivor guilt, and societal inequities, ultimately finding companionship and reflecting on the blurred lines between Defenders and Others. Violence and severe weather events are depicted.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

John Lanchester's The Wall receives mixed reviews. Critics praise its gripping dystopian premise and stark warnings on climate change and xenophobia. However, some find its characters underdeveloped and narrative pacing uneven. The novel effectively provokes thought on contemporary issues but may leave some readers wanting deeper character exploration.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Wall?

Readers who enjoy dystopian narratives with social commentary will be captivated by John Lanchester's The Wall. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale will appreciate its exploration of isolation and societal upheaval. This book delves into contemporary anxieties through a compelling, speculative lens.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Themes

Society: Community

Natural World: Climate

Natural World: Environment

Topics

Climate Change