Throwback Review: “A Clockwork Orange” Continues to Be Relevant

For many book lovers, the classic and banned books are the ones that can’t be resisted. Over the summer in New York City, “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess was that book I had to have off of Strand’s banned book table.
“A Clockwork Orange” is told through the eyes of Alex, a 15-year-old boy living in a futuristic city. Alex and his gang hang out at the Korova Milkbar, where consumers can purchase milk laced with drugs.
In this city, the citizens have ignored the uprising in violence among youths. Throughout the first part of the novel, Alex and his gang introduce the readers to the horrific crimes they commit and the lack of any discrimination with the undeserving victims they choose.
As the novel progresses, Alex proves to be the most malicious of the group and eventually is singled out from his gang which leads into the second part of the novel.
In the second half, Alex volunteers for a study that will cure his maliciousness and deter him from finding any pleasure in the acts he once did.
The novel was turned into a movie in 1971 and many older non-readers associate the movie with the book title.
The reason this novel is so disturbing to some is not only because of the violent and graphic material it deals with, but also because the novel is told directly from Alex’s point-of-view.
Readers go through the novel as though Alex were sitting in the same room as them telling his story as it happens, including his inner thoughts at the time.
Due to the nature of Alex’s thoughts and his lack of empathy for anyone, readers may struggle with the way that they feel and view Alex’s character development.
Overall, I would recommend “A Clockwork Orange to readers.” While it is sometimes hard to read, the questions the novel raise are ones that may be enjoyed for discussion and thought as the novel progresses and ends.