Content levels
Trigger warnings
Not yet taggedPositive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
Samuel Butler (1835 - 1902) was a Victorian novelist who wrote in many genres. The Way of All Flesh and Erewhon are his most famous novels. Besides fiction Butler also wrote on evolution, Christian orthodoxy, Italian art, literary history and translated the Illiad and The Odyssey. Erewhon is a utopian satire of Victorian England published in 1872. The title is the name of a fictional country and it is also the word nowhere spelled backwards. The beginning of the book deals with the discovery of Erewhon, which is based on Butlers time in New Zealand where he worked on a sheep ranch for four years. The novel satirizes religion, anthropocentrism, and criminal punishment.
Is Erewhon appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A Victorian satirical novel with no violence, sex, or language concerns. The philosophical and social commentary requires mature reading comprehension and familiarity with Victorian cultural context.
What to know going in
This book has no graphic violence, no sexual content, and clean language.
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Readers interested in thought-provoking satire and exploration of fictional societies will enjoy this philosophical adventure.