ABSTRACT
But while the counter-utopists may have put a cautionary light on many contemporary ideals, they have provided nothing in their place. It is this job that Huxley attempts in Island, It is a curious book, more successful as a vehicle of ideas than as a novel. It is written heavily and without the incisiveness of Brave New World, The characters are weak and poorly drawn. The later Huxley flaws-the verbosity, the overintellectuality-are much in evidence. Like a nervous lover, Huxley seems almost to talk himself out of the main chance. And yet, despite its defects, Island is a stimulating visit.
