50 pages • 1 hour read
John LanchesterThe Wall
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Wall by John Lanchester follows Joseph Kavanagh, a young Defender tasked with protecting the United Kingdom's Wall built to stave off climate refugees, called Others, in a dystopian future ravaged by severe climate change. As Joseph navigates the harsh life on the Wall, he grapples with his role, survivor guilt, and societal inequities, ultimately finding companionship and reflecting on the blurred lines between Defenders and Others. Violence and severe weather events are depicted.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
John Lanchester's The Wall receives mixed reviews. Critics praise its gripping dystopian premise and stark warnings on climate change and xenophobia. However, some find its characters underdeveloped and narrative pacing uneven. The novel effectively provokes thought on contemporary issues but may leave some readers wanting deeper character exploration.
Who Should Read The Wall?
Readers who enjoy dystopian narratives with social commentary will be captivated by John Lanchester's The Wall. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale will appreciate its exploration of isolation and societal upheaval. This book delves into contemporary anxieties through a compelling, speculative lens.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction
Society: Community
Natural World: Climate
Natural World: Environment
Climate Change