When A Clockwork Orange was first published in 1962 it divided the critics. Time magazine called it ‘a nasty little shocker’ while the New York Times called it ‘a brilliant novel’. One thing everyone could agree on was its inventiveness.

It was thanks to Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation that Burgess’ dystopian satire interrogating free will became a cult classic. The film, however, was mired in controversy and removed from cinemas at Kubrick’s own request. The book has since been recognised as a literary masterpiece.

Join us to discuss A Clockwork Orange, Manchester-born Anthony Burgess’ best-known novel, as part of our contemporary fiction reading list.

The Manchester Lit&Phil Book Club is free and exclusively for members, operating on a first come first serve basis, up to a maximum of 15 people.

Save the date and start reading

March 31 book club: Out of Africa, Isak Dineson/Karen Blixen. (Non-fiction)

April 28 book club: Wives and Daughters, Elizabeth Gaskell. (Classic fiction)