Scan barcode
A review by lightningmc_logyn
1984 by George Orwell
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
A book so devastating, it can swing the reader back around to hope. I first read this in highschool, nearly a decade ago, and chose to read it again as I’d forgotten most of the books events. As a teenager it struck me, and I’ve displayed my copy on my bookshelves ever since.
I am glad I re-read it. Orwell’s writing is masterful. The novel is a journey that is folded in on itself, details constantly evolving in light of new context. The reader feels the hope and despair Winston oscillates between. The plot is full of intrigue. It stays firm in its recount of horrid events as well as simple human joys. The parallels drawn to our world are startling. The passionate determination of Winston is palpable. Orwells mind has created a world that is not only real within its pages, but persists in one’s subconscious afterward.
This book is intelligent and poignant. The themes discussed and analyzed are intentionally parallel to our society. The awareness this book awakened in me as a teen and distilled once again as an adult is something I am grateful for-though the reading experience is quite emotionally turbulent. The story is dark, startlingly so, and I recommend reading it with care.The latter third was painful for me to read, and the torture Winston endures and what he becomes is frightening. The version I read has an afterward that I enjoyed, as it handles the dark subject matter honestly, but leaves the reader with a small branch of hope.
I am glad I re-read it. Orwell’s writing is masterful. The novel is a journey that is folded in on itself, details constantly evolving in light of new context. The reader feels the hope and despair Winston oscillates between. The plot is full of intrigue. It stays firm in its recount of horrid events as well as simple human joys. The parallels drawn to our world are startling. The passionate determination of Winston is palpable. Orwells mind has created a world that is not only real within its pages, but persists in one’s subconscious afterward.
This book is intelligent and poignant. The themes discussed and analyzed are intentionally parallel to our society. The awareness this book awakened in me as a teen and distilled once again as an adult is something I am grateful for-though the reading experience is quite emotionally turbulent. The story is dark, startlingly so, and I recommend reading it with care.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Animal cruelty, Cursing, Rape, and Colonisation
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
This is a dark book where violence, war, and oppression are normalized and upheld. The main character endures dark situations and entertains dark thoughts, largely due to the oppressing society he lives in.