William Golding: 12/03/11

William Golding by John Carey is a biography of the man who is best known for writing Lord of the Flies. It was one of the first assigned books in school that I actually really liked (the other was A Separate Peace, assigned by the same teacher). Twenty five or so years later I'm still mulling over the book and seriously contemplating a re-read of it.

I can't recall where I heard about this biography, but I do know I wanted some idea of what made Golding tick. I also wanted the story behind his most famous novel.

Before Golding found his niche as a writer he was a teacher. His time in the trenches gave him the insight he needed to create believable archetypes.

The remaining half of the book covers the rest of his life and the other books he wrote. I'm curious enough about his other books to want to read them. I picked one at random from the library but it was so far removed in style from Lord of the Flies that I didn't make it through the first chapter. My next plan of attack is to go through his books in order when I have the time.

Three stars.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Sunday, December, 4, 2011 at 11:03:47

Jeane

I've tried one or two of his other books, and never made much headway. Pincher Martin was total confusion to me. I'm not sure if I want to try any more. Lord of the Flies is still one of my favorites, though.

Comment #2: Monday, December 12, 2011 at 17:38:10

Pussreboots

I think I'll at least try The Inheritors.