I had wanted to read this book since school. While one English class did Of Mice and Men (mine), the other English class did Lord of the Flies. And I was greedy and wanted to do both. The closest I came was being allowed to go and see Lord of the Flies at the theatre with the other class.

So, about 12 years later, I finally got around to reading it.

I wasn't disappointed, and it was worth the wait.

Golding does a brilliant job of setting up the whole story from a child's point of view. The details that are included and omitted are so telling in a child-like perspective of their surroundings. The emotions and interactions are so simplistic, but meaningful in ways the children themselves don't understand.

The way they live and (begrudgingly, minimally) work together, their priorities, friendships and personalities collide as the story unfolds. The creation and belief of 'the beast' is slow and strong, and ultimately a reflection of the children themselves.

And… I really wish I had done this book at school so I could analyse it to my heart's content without sounding like a complete nerd.

Whatever, it's ace, read it.