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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Contemplative

John Lanchester

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

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Overview

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The Wall Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Wall Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Wall”

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

The Wall Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-12

The Wall Part 1, Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Others”

Part 2 The Wall Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Sea”

Part 3 The Wall Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Wall Character Analysis

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Themes

The Wall Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Wall Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Wall Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Wall Essay Topics

The Wall

Before You Read

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