The Drought
The Drought
Book Brief
Beta240
Novel • Fiction
United States • Near Future
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In J.G. Ballard's The Drought, individuals navigate a world where environmental disaster causes water shortages, altering social norms and leading to societal collapse. The story follows Dr. Edward Ransom as he encounters desperation and survival struggles, reflecting on humanity’s adaptability and resilience in the face of ecological catastrophe.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
2,934 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Drought by J.G. Ballard offers a haunting vision of a world ravaged by water scarcity, showcasing his signature stark and surreal style. Critics praise its vivid imagery and exploration of human resilience and despair. However, some find the narrative bleak and the character development lacking. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of dystopian fiction.
Who Should Read The Drought?
A reader who enjoys The Drought by J.G. Ballard likely appreciates dystopian themes and introspective narratives, akin to readers of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Fans of speculative fiction that explores the psychological impacts of environmental collapse will find it compelling.
2,934 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Drought, originally published as The Burning World in 1964, reflects J.G. Ballard's fascination with environmental themes, and the change in title for later editions highlights its focus on the scarcity of water.
Inspired by Freudian psychoanalysis, Ballard explores the impact of extreme environmental stress on human psychology, which is a recurring theme in his literary works.
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J.G. Ballard often uses surreal and dystopian elements in his storytelling, and The Drought is no exception, integrating Ballard's personal style of dream-like, symbolic narratives.
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240
Novel • Fiction
United States • Near Future
2012
Adult
18+ years
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