A Clockwork Orange
Publication date: 1962
Genre: Fiction
About the Work
A dystopian horror, a black comedy, an exploration of choice, A Clockwork Orange by English writer Anthony Burgess, is also a work of exuberant invention which created a new language for its characters. Published in 1962, the novel is set in a near-future society that has a youth subculture of extreme violence. The teenage protagonist, Alex, narrates his violent exploits and his experiences with state authorities intent on reforming him.
In 2005, A Clockwork Orange was included on Time magazine’s list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923, and it was named by Modern Library and its readers as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.
Challenges in Canada
1990 — One of several books challenged by a parent group in Essex County (ON).
Update — None of the books were withdrawn from the high school reading list as a result of the protest.