What I Liked
Humanity is corrupt. Lord of the Flies explores the capacity for evil and murder within the heart of every person, civilized or savage, white or dark, child or adult. I read this book for the first time for a school assignment when I was in the 9th grade, and looking back, I think I was too young to understand the dark, haunting message of Lord of the Flies. Perhaps it would have made a heavier impact the first time if I had read it in 12th grade instead.

This novel lingers and burrows its way into your thoughts. There are frightening and harrowing moments, from the first murmurings of a beast to the very last scene.

The ending is brilliant.

Spoiler

The naval officer comes to rescue the boys, end their man hunt, and bring them back to civilization. In reality, he and his men are on a very similar man hunt in times of war, and there is no one older or wiser to stop them.

What I Didn't Like
If one is prepared to read a gritty, scary book about the wickedness of humanity, there is little not to like. I wish there was more available about the world around them. There is mention of a terrible war, an atom bomb, everyone at home being dead, and something that caused their plane to crash down in flames. Although the English boys seem to come from a well-structured and civilized world, it is in reality as brutal and murderous as the society they create on the island. I wish for a little more explanation of the war going on at home during this time, to reflect on a larger scale the evil that is found lurking within the hearts of children.