A review by elisabeth888
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

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

4.5

Although this book was published over 70 years ago, its critiques continue to remain relevant to modern society. Within Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury critiques the dystopian society in which Montag lives. It is a totalitarian regime which uses anti-intelletualism, excessive violence, and the destruction of media to promote a dominate, misleading narrative.

The media that people are allowed to consume is surface-level and empty, prioritizing sensationalism rather than having a larger meaning. People, like Montag's wife, are addicted to watching screens with programs that contain no real substance and are often grisly. This feels like a prediction for modern-day algorithms which are employed to keep people addicted to media consumption.

I found Montag's character development to be very interesting to read throughout the novel. I wish we could have had more backstory for each character within the novel, especially for Clarrise and Beatty. I found these secondary characters to make great speeches throughout the novel and would have liked to hear more from them. Otherwise, I found Fahrenheit 451 to be a good read.
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