52 pages • 1 hour read
J. G. BallardHigh-Rise
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1975A 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
High-Rise by J.G. Ballard follows the psychological decline of the residents of a Brutalist high-rise outside London. The building's pseudo-luxury lifestyle exacerbates tensions, leading to violent conflicts and a descent into primal behavior. Social hierarchy and territorialism emerge, with residents becoming isolated and engaging in increasingly extreme acts. Meanwhile, a multifactional group of women seeks to restore order. The novel contains graphic depictions of sexual assault, violence, neglect, and cruelty to animals.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
High-Rise by J. G. Ballard offers a dark, dystopian portrayal of modern society's descent into chaos within a luxury apartment building. Critics praise Ballard's incisive social commentary and vivid prose. However, some find the relentless bleakness overwhelming and the characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's a thought-provoking work, but its intensity and grim vision may not appeal to everyone.
Who Should Read High-Rise?
Readers who relish dystopian satire and psychological thrillers will appreciate J. G. Ballard's High-Rise. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 or William Golding's Lord of the Flies will find the novel's exploration of societal breakdown within a luxury high-rise compelling and thought-provoking.