I've always heard many comparisons between 1984, The Handmaid's Tale, and Brave New World- yet, this is the last of the trio I've read. While there are a handful of similarities (ex: all take place in the "future", all rely on strict caste systems, all have drastically different views on sex than in today's world) Brave New World has some unique differences. For one, while relying on a caste system this is the only book of the three that the majority of citizens are primarily happy. Hence the big question: Is a false, brain-washed, drug-induced happiness really happiness- if you never know what you're missing?
The first chapter of the book reveals that babies are no longer produced through intercourse. Every single one is mass-produced in a lab and pre-conditioned through both chemicals and brainwashing to be who the goverment chooses them to be. God, religion, and family are all obselete. Monogamy is frowned upon while promiscuity is virtuous. And for the occasional stint of unhappiness, lonliness, or anger a consequence-free superdrug is readily available for all.
The first chapter was a bit too scientific for my taste (I'm an english geek/science weakling), but the book quickly picked up the pace and displayed the vast population of happy people, with the occasional "odd duck" who knows there's something more. While some of the changes in society seem appealing, it's the lack of choice, challenge, or individuality that makes Brave New World so mind-boggling (yet enthralling).
A-
*100 Years, 100 Novels NPR
*The Strand 80
*The Modern Library-Random House 100 Best
*Newsweek's Top 100 Books
*Top 10 Censored Books- TIME
*Top 100 Most Frequently Banned Books
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