Welcome to the Book Reviews section of our English Book Club. Here, we explore literature not just as entertainment, but as a way to reflect on life, language, and the human experience. Each review is written with care and clarity, offering insights into the themes, characters, and emotional depth of the books we read together.
Whether the book is a classic novel, a contemporary story, or a children’s tale, we approach it with curiosity and respect. We ask: What does this book teach us? How does it make us feel? What questions does it raise? And how can we use it to grow — as readers, writers, and thinkers?
This section is designed to support bilingual learners and literature lovers alike. Many reviews include vocabulary glossaries, cultural notes, and discussion prompts to help you engage more deeply with the text. Our goal is to make literature accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable for everyone.
Contents:
1. The Island by Aldous Huxley.2. The Martian by Andy Weir.
1. The Island by Aldous Huxley
During his lifetime Huxley wrote many works, which included the novels Brave New World (1932), Eyeless in Gaza (1936), and Island (1962). It has been put forward that Island, ´Exemplifies Huxley’s particular contribution to twentieth-century letters.’ (Bradshaw, 1993)
The setting of Island is a fictitious South Pacific island named Pala, where the inhabitants seem to have achieved a utopian society. Will Farnaby, the central character, is sent by his boss to the ‘forbidden’ island, in order to try and secure some oil concessions. Will is assured that if successful, great rewards will follow, including a ‘handsome bonus’ and a year off to enjoy ‘High Art’. Will sets sail from the island of Rendang and is shipwrecked off the coast of Pala. The islanders find him and provide him with the necessary medical treatment. During his recuperation he is introduced to the ideas and methods of Palanese society. He discovers that the island’s system was set up by a Buddhist Raja and a Scottish Doctor. The system includes a revolutionary approach towards population, education, the environment, medicine and self-improvement. As time goes by he finds that his affection towards the islanders grows. Eventually, he decides that the Palanese way of life is desirable for himself. Consequently, he decides that the island’s uniqueness should not be interfered with and chooses against the wishes of his boss.
The book contains many interesting theories and ideas on areas including the family, education and hypnotherapy. ‘Mutual Adoption Clubs’ are an example of how the family is radically reshaped. In this system each child has between 15 and 25 homes. Children are encouraged to ‘migrate’ to one of their other homes if life in the parental home becomes unbearable. The argument put forward for this practice is that, ‘Mutual adoption guarantees against injustice and the worst consequences of parental ineptitude.’ This is a very interesting idea as it provides children with variety, protection, freedom and a range of positive experiences.
O the island of Pala children are not educated for the benefit of the state, but to become ‘full-blown human beings’. The education system on the island encourages toleration, self-development and dealing with problems at an individual level. In addition, the following detail is declared, ‘Here the children grow up in a world that’s a working model of society at large, a small-scale but accurate version of the environment in which they’re going to have to live in when they’re grown up.
Also examined are the benefits of using hypnosis for medicine and time distortion. By employing hypnosis before surgery, patients in the book are able to receive pain-free operations without the need for anaesthetics. This is a very current issue and a lot of research is being carried out in this area. The use of time distortion is also of interest. Under deep trance and through suggestion people could experience twenty seconds as ten minutes, which has great implications for solving problems and meeting challenges.
Huxley also promotes a much more positive approach to science in Island, in sharp contrast to his earlier novel Brave New World, where science is shown to be a menace. However, it must be stated that the world outside Pala experiences the same dramatic problems faced in the real world today such as overpopulation, pollution and starvation. The island has little hope for the future, as the pressure for its rich oil reserves mounts.
In critique of Island Huxley and critics claim that the book, ‘has too much weight, in the way of ideas and reflections, to carry.’ On the other hand, it is a thoroughly entertaining, thought-provoking and challenging read. Critic and author Anthony Burgess states, ‘We cannot deny Island’s brilliance, its learning and its honest attempt to answer the big questions.’
Glossary:
- deep trance: A profound state of hypnosis characterized by extreme relaxation and heightened suggestibility.
- handsome bonus: A generous or substantial additional payment, usually given as a reward.
- inhabitants: A person or animal that lives in or occupies a place.
- parental ineptitude: Lack of skill or ability on the part of parents; parental incompetence.
- particular contribution: A specific or unique input, idea, or role played by someone in a field or towards an achievement.
- positive approach: A constructive and optimistic way of dealing with something.
- revolutionary approach: A new and radical way of thinking about or doing something, often leading to fundamental changes.
- sets sail: To begin a voyage by boat or ship.
- shipwrecked: Having suffered a shipwreck; to be ruined and sunk at sea.
- thought-provoking: Making one think seriously about a particular subject or issue.
- time distortion: The subjective experience of time passing at a different rate than objective chronological time.
- utopian society: An imagined community or society that possesses highly desirable or nearly perfect qualities for its citizens.
- working model of society: A practical or functional example of how a society operates.
- works: Literary compositions or other artistic creations; a significant piece of writing, music, or art.
© Originally printed in the Wall Street Reporter, June, 2000.
2. The Martian – Andy Weir
Andy Weir’s The Martian is one of the most gripping survival thrillers of the 21st century — a novel that blends hard science, razor‑sharp tension, and unexpected humour into a story that feels both terrifyingly real and irresistibly entertaining. It is science fiction, yes, but it is also a masterclass in problem‑solving, resilience, and the sheer stubbornness of the human spirit. From the very first pages, the reader is pulled into a desperate fight for survival on the surface of Mars, where astronaut Mark Watney is accidentally left behind by his crew and presumed dead.
The setting is stark and unforgiving: a barren planet with no breathable air, no liquid water, and no margin for error. Watney’s situation is almost hopeless, yet Weir transforms this bleak scenario into a thrilling, fast‑paced narrative driven by ingenuity and determination. Watney refuses to give up. Instead, he approaches each life‑threatening challenge with creativity, engineering skill, and a dry sense of humour that keeps the reader rooting for him. His voice is one of the novel’s greatest strengths — witty, intelligent, and deeply human.
As Watney works to stay alive, the novel becomes a celebration of science as a tool for survival. Weir’s meticulous attention to detail gives the story a remarkable sense of authenticity. Every solution — from growing food in Martian soil to repairing life‑support systems — is grounded in real scientific principles. This realism heightens the suspense: every calculation matters, every mistake could be fatal, and every small victory feels monumental. Readers who enjoy puzzles, logic, and hands‑on problem‑solving will find themselves completely absorbed.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, NASA discovers that Watney is still alive. What follows is a tense, global effort to bring him home. Political pressure, media scrutiny, and the limits of technology all collide as scientists and engineers race against time. The contrast between the vast machinery of NASA and Watney’s solitary struggle on Mars adds emotional depth and narrative momentum. The stakes rise with every chapter, and the sense of urgency becomes almost unbearable — in the best possible way.
What makes The Martian truly special is its balance of tone. It is a survival thriller, but it is also surprisingly funny. Watney’s humour becomes a lifeline, both for himself and for the reader. His jokes, frustrations, and moments of triumph make him one of the most memorable protagonists in modern science fiction. This emotional connection is what keeps readers turning pages long into the night.
The novel also explores themes of cooperation, global unity, and the value of human life. In a world often divided by politics and conflict, The Martian imagines a moment when nations, organisations, and individuals come together for a single purpose: to save one person stranded millions of kilometres away. It is a hopeful message wrapped inside a high‑pressure thriller.
Weir’s writing is clear, accessible, and fast‑moving. Even readers with little interest in science will find themselves captivated by the logic and creativity behind each solution. The pacing is tight, the tension constant, and the emotional payoff immensely satisfying. It is no surprise that the novel became a global bestseller and inspired a major film adaptation.
In critique, some readers may find the scientific detail dense at times, and the focus on problem‑solving may overshadow deeper character exploration. However, these elements are also what make the novel unique. The Martian is unapologetically technical, proudly optimistic, and refreshingly grounded in reality. It is a story that rewards curiosity and celebrates the best of human ingenuity.
Overall, The Martian is an exhilarating, thought‑provoking, and deeply enjoyable read. Whether you love science fiction, survival stories, or simply a gripping narrative with a charismatic lead, this novel delivers. It is the kind of book that keeps you turning pages, cheering for the protagonist, and marvelling at the possibilities of science and human resilience.
If you’re looking for a thriller that is smart, suspenseful, and impossible to put down, The Martian is essential reading — and one you’ll want to recommend to everyone you know. Get your copy here.
Glossary
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