Reviews with content warning for Gore - Animal Farm

A very interesting novell. It effectively parodies the soviet union and shows how a revolution from the people can go very south very quickly.

Like the soviet union, the animals successful revolution starts out great for the people. But in the end it was worse than it had have been before the revolution(but very good for the pigs at the hierarchical top). This book shows this very well.

I reccomend this book if youre feeling for a dark political parody or want something that makes you think a bit more than your average book.

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rory_john14's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

2.5

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michaelion's review against another edition

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dark funny informative fast-paced

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

2.75

Um okay girl I guess. You really tried it tho. You'll never be Back at the Barnyard!

This book only works if you think the masses as a whole are stupid and inherently lazy and individualistic and people are inherently violent and evil. Yaaawn boring! Also Orwell never heard of show don't tell. It's no wonder this shit is read in every high school across the country. The devil may work hard but the CIA works harder.

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kmoyer07's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

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gemstonejasper's review against another edition

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dark informative reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I picked this up for a read along. It was an impulse start at 2am. Read about half then went to bed and finished it just now (3pm). I liked it, but I probably won't read it again. I probably won't think about it much outside of if friends bring it up. I enjoyed 1984 by the same author, but didn't like this one as much. It really was just USSR history told satirical through farm animals. The animals had no real personalities, but were just caricatures of different mindsets and groups in the USSR. I think that was the point, but it wasn't my style.

I will say that though it's based on USSR history, I think parts of it could be relatable to modern places. I live in the US and I saw many similarities around patriotism, nationalism, "farm pride," and history turning to myth. Lots of gaslighting between the Pigs and other animals

Read it if it sounds good to you, but it's definitely not a must read for me

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riverofhorton's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

This was an incredibly thought-provoking book from start to finish and something that I can see myself revisiting in the future.

I went into this knowing it was an allegory for Stalin's Russia, but knowing little about the USSR, I didn't know how that would present. I found it most interesting that we see a lot of Napoleon's early tactics in the politics of today, especially right-wing groups, I also find this parallel to be deeply unsettling in nature, and and wonder how long it will be before we are like the other farm animals of this book, if our real-world politics continue down the path they are on.

On a more personal note, I saw a lot of my past self within the character of Boxer, as well as a lot of people no longer in my life in Napoleon's character. It was slightly disconcerting as such an animal lover myself to draw these comparisons, but it did remind me of how far I've come in the past few years.

To end on a lighter note, I enjoyed reading about the dynamic between Boxer and Benjamin, and find myself wondering if the intention was to portray a queer love between the two male characters, or if that was just my brain. I did also find the characterisation of the cat to be perfect throughout.

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lorraine19's review against another edition

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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.

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elizabeth_henry's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging informative reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The best book i ever read.This changed my perspective on literature, it really showed me the thing you can do with a book! The allegory WOWED me!

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