ghosterz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, War, Death, Cursing, and Injury/Injury detail
_mariah_'s review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Moderate: Violence, Slavery, and Death
Minor: Alcohol
citybookspgh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is another book I had never gotten around to. It was a quick, afternoon read that left me more emotional than I expected. Glad I experienced it as an adult rather than as a teen. I have much more life/political experience now so I was able to pick up on all of the nuances.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Classism, Gaslighting, Violence, Animal cruelty, Death, and Emotional abuse
ashuualert's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.25
I had to study the book for junior cert. I didnt enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Slavery, Death, Animal death, and Classism
karin_goodreads's review against another edition
reflective
3.75
I know.. I could give it more stars, but for me something in the beginning was missing.
Don't get me wrong, it's a super interesting and chilling story, but I still stand by my opinion that these kinds of stories just make me feel discouraged or rather lose my interest at some point.
Despite that, UGH these PIGS, I swear to god. Boxer, Clover and Benjamin were the only ones I took an actual liking to. I will never forgive them for what they did to Boxer.. Also, the way the power change played out and no one could do anything about it? The delivery really did it for me.
Don't get me wrong, it's a super interesting and chilling story, but I still stand by my opinion that these kinds of stories just make me feel discouraged or rather lose my interest at some point.
Despite that, UGH these PIGS, I swear to god. Boxer, Clover and Benjamin were the only ones I took an actual liking to. I will never forgive them for what they did to Boxer.. Also, the way the power change played out and no one could do anything about it? The delivery really did it for me.
Several of them would have protested if they could have found the right arguments.
It's sad and seriously, the manipulation and unfair favor towards pigs, especially Napoleon, is unbearable.
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Gaslighting, and Slavery
Minor: Alcohol
adelekittey's review against another edition
dark
informative
tense
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Murder, Death, Animal death, and Violence
aliciapiron's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, War, Death, Forced institutionalization, Slavery, Violence, Animal death, and Physical abuse
literallysam's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Animal Farm is a political allegory for the Russian Revolution, in which many of the animals (human-like characters) represent the key historical figures of the time. Though it can still be read & enjoyed if you don't get any of the allusions to Lenin, Marx, Trotsky or Stalin. But there's no doubt that the message behind this book is an important one.
In terms of Orwell's writing and the plot, it is basic. An easy read if you are 10-14 y/o. There are many quotes that I liked (slide to read). I loved the words of the proud anthem “Beasts of England". I admired Boxer’s noble sense of dedication & self-sacrifice.
However, there are some problems as well..
•The constant theme throughout the book and especially the ending suggests that Revolution is useless, that things will remain how they've always been, neither getting better nor worse. Reliving tragedy and atrocities of an evil government is just one part of the equation, making our own revolution should be the other. So, the ending could've been better.
Similarly, there's this character in the book, Benjamin who is intelligent but still doesn't "exercise his faculty" and when other animals ask for his help, he refuses to "meddle in such matters".(Real bourgeoisie behaviour)
•The book also critiques the working class more than Stalin. Orwell writes like an aristocrat- calling the animals , illiterate, stupid & forgetful throughout the book.
•Another con is that the book is too political in nature. It's like Orwell has laid down a fable in respect of only his own opinions, not allowing the readers to form their own judgements. A book shouldn't be so heavy handed in its political message and should leave room for readers to make their own opinions.
•Also the allegorical aspect of the book is another issue as it only presents one possible interpretation of reality. This leads to misunderstanding of the complexities of real-world political events.
Overall, Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving too much power to one person or group, and the importance of staying vigilant and questioning authority.
In terms of Orwell's writing and the plot, it is basic. An easy read if you are 10-14 y/o. There are many quotes that I liked (slide to read). I loved the words of the proud anthem “Beasts of England". I admired Boxer’s noble sense of dedication & self-sacrifice.
However, there are some problems as well..
•The constant theme throughout the book and especially the ending suggests that Revolution is useless, that things will remain how they've always been, neither getting better nor worse. Reliving tragedy and atrocities of an evil government is just one part of the equation, making our own revolution should be the other. So, the ending could've been better.
Similarly, there's this character in the book, Benjamin who is intelligent but still doesn't "exercise his faculty" and when other animals ask for his help, he refuses to "meddle in such matters".(Real bourgeoisie behaviour)
•The book also critiques the working class more than Stalin. Orwell writes like an aristocrat- calling the animals , illiterate, stupid & forgetful throughout the book.
•Another con is that the book is too political in nature. It's like Orwell has laid down a fable in respect of only his own opinions, not allowing the readers to form their own judgements. A book shouldn't be so heavy handed in its political message and should leave room for readers to make their own opinions.
•Also the allegorical aspect of the book is another issue as it only presents one possible interpretation of reality. This leads to misunderstanding of the complexities of real-world political events.
Overall, Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving too much power to one person or group, and the importance of staying vigilant and questioning authority.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Hate crime, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Slavery, Alcoholism, War, and Violence
lorraine19's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Like all of Orwell's books, it's dark and tense. Definitely not the book to read if you're looking for a feels good. It's definitely a classic for a reason and an easier read than 1984. Short and face paced but gets right to the point and is easy to understand. It will definitely leave you frustrated and feeling sad/angry as is the point. Might have to make sure you are in the right mindset when reading it but it is definitely one everyone should read at least once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, Animal death, Classism, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Blood, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Slavery, Bullying, Gore, Alcohol, and Toxic friendship
Although it is in allegory, the violence and death in this book can be graphic - especially if you're sensitive to animal deathkaz_brekkerrr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Classism, Animal death, Murder, Animal cruelty, and Slavery
Minor: Death