Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Lord of the Flies is a classic novel that explores the dark side of human nature. It follows a group of boys stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. Initially, they attempt to create a society with rules and order. However, as their situation becomes more desperate and their isolation deepens, their societal structures break down. The boys descend into savagery, and the story becomes a chilling examination of how quickly civilization can crumble and the primal instincts that emerge in its absence. Themes of power, control, and the inherent darkness within humanity are central to the narrative.