Reviews tagging 'Torture'

1984 by George Orwell

662 reviews

lotta_8's review against another edition

dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The book and its plot are heavy. It definitely took me a few chapters to get into the story. The plot itself is not very pleasant, however, it is impressive in what detail an author in 1948 was able to predict what was to happen e.g. in Germany just a couple of years later. Not a light read but definitely worth the effort. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, and Gaslighting

beamvega's review against another edition

dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence

Moderate: Torture

Minor: Sexual content and Murder

back2lovingbooksmore's review against another edition

challenging dark informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Good book!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture and Forced institutionalization

Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, and War

Minor: Sexual violence

I think it’s hopeful in its own way, the mentions of love and ambition for a better future in this book keep our characters going, and it shows that if we can hold on to what is true to us and catch on to history being erased before it’s too late, we heed the warnings of 1984 before it’s too late for our world and our people

mayaspasta's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol

meant2breading's review against another edition

challenging dark informative mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

First time read. Brutal. Thought provoking for sure. I didn’t love this book, but I understand why this is a required read and banned book in some areas. The concepts like loss of individualism, dehumanization, and the meaning of ‘rats’ were very interesting. It’s not often that I dislike ALL of the characters, especially Winston’s perspective on women, but assuming this was purposeful. 😳 

While I think everyone should read 1984, I don’t think this book is FOR everyone. For example, I recently saw someone on social media say that a clear parallel in Oceanian society to today’s society is the rise of feminism…🥴 Not for everyone in that it may require some logic to make some of the more prominent connections that Orwell likely intended. 🤭 

Also, may not be for everyone as it’s quite dark. Strongly recommend to check trigger warnings. That ending sure had an impact. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Forced institutionalization

Moderate: Death and Sexism

Minor: Rape, Suicide, and War

xila17's review against another edition

dark informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

this is the most horrific and genuinely terrifying book I've ever read

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Torture

kaz_brekkerrr's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence

Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Murder

Minor: Death, Sexual violence, and War

op3's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I love the message of the book and would definitely consider this a classic, and I appreciate the impact it’s had culturally on humanity with ‘Big Brother’ being something you could reference and understand almost immediately today.
I felt this was a bit of a slow read at first but I don’t mind that, and I guess the style of writing just isn’t for me. But aside from that I enjoyed it and the questions & thoughts it posed.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence

Moderate: Sexual content, Police brutality, Alcohol, and War

Minor: Rape

If stuff like brainwashing scares you, this might not be the read for you.

els4lp's review against another edition

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War

Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Alcohol

Minor: Slavery, Suicide, and Vomit

joe_momma's review against another edition

dark reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Torture