Book review: ‘Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley

Ardent book fans will be militant in their belief that good novels tower above their modern motion picture rivals. If movies are a straight shot of bourbon, then a well-crafted tome is that perfect summer cocktail prepared by your favourite mixologist. Every South African is praying that a return to normal is around the corner, but a worst-case scenario would leave the nation needing a visionary rebuild.

Written slap in between World Wars one and two in a Europe grappling with its identity and the countries it wished to build, Brave New World contrasts instant gratification with tradition and earned rewards. The questions asked are still relevant today as society leans towards an all-out submission to device-rendered acceptance in favour of deeper human connections.

Set in a future where humans are bred to fulfil economic tasks in return for a daily hit of soma, their existence is moulded by perceived happiness. Through conditioned rejection of the ‘old ways’ that brought pain, yearning and suffering, citizens of the ‘civilized’ world are made to accept a shallow life of unquestioning and blissful naivety.

John, The Savage, is introduced to this environment from a reservation kept for those who failed to be corralled by the World State. At first excited, he becomes despondent at the lack of true connections and is treated as a novel sideshow whose presence is abused by his hosts. His infamy pushes him away, but is tragically hounded by a society looking to exploit his virtues for their own sensory consumption.

The book explores social hierarchies, the ideals of nobility, honour and chivalry, and ultimately how our environments shape our wants and desires. An often frantic read, the story is woven with a simplistic yet profound impact. As our current circumstances condition us to digital contact and quiet isolation, one should keep in mind those great joys of physical interaction that await when the state finally grant us their permission.