43 pages 1 hour read

J. G. Ballard

Empire of the Sun

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984

A 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

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard is praised for its vivid, haunting depiction of a boy's wartime experiences in Shanghai. Ballard's prose is both evocative and poignant, drawing readers into the emotional and physical trials of the protagonist. However, some critics note that certain narrative elements feel detached. Overall, it's a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Empire of the Sun?

Readers who enjoy Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard are typically drawn to historical novels with intense emotional depth and personal struggle. They may also appreciate books like The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, which explore human resilience against the backdrop of World War II.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1130L

Book Details

Genre
Historical Fiction
Auto/Biographical Fiction
Chinese Literature
Topics
Military / War
History: World
Period
WWII / World War II
Themes
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Society: War
Society: Colonialism