High-Rise by J. G. Ballard

High-Rise (Movie Tie-In Editions, #0) (1970s a)

by J. G. Ballard

From the author of `Crash’ and `Cocaine Nights’ comes an unnerving tale of life in a modern tower block running out of control.

Within the concealing walls of an elegant forty-storey tower block, the affluent tenants are hell-bent on an orgy of destruction. Cocktail parties degenerate into marauding attacks on `enemy’ floors and the once-luxurious amenities become an arena for riots and technological mayhem.

In this visionary tale of urban disillusionment society slips into a violent reverse as the isolated inhabitants of the high-rise, driven by primal urges, create a dystopian world ruled by the laws of the jungle.

Reviewed by Cameron Trost on

5 of 5 stars

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The breakdown of social order in the high-rise results from the escalation of tensions stemming from petty annoyances and rivalry. With each chapter, as these middle-class residents return to a state of barbarism, they shed the apparel of their superficial civility item by item. Simultaneously, the high-rise becomes a savage society unto itself and a symbol of each resident's mindset. This is quite possibly the most entertaining, poignant, and effective novel I've ever read. It begins with, 'Later, as he sat on his balcony eating the dog, Dr Robert Laing reflected on the unusual events that had taken place within this huge apartment building during the previous three months.'

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  • Started reading
  • 3 March, 2018: Finished reading
  • 3 March, 2018: Reviewed