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lou_weed's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jholscher's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
knuckledown's review against another edition
5.0
How much do I love this book? So much!
Interestingly, I followed up this, the classic tale of a future dystopia, with Ender's Shadow, a more current prediction for the future. Not that they lacked parallels. Oh, but Orwell is such a master of the futuristic cautionary tale that this book defies the title of science fiction. I mean, ever heard of Big Brother? Orwell defined the concept!
Okay, I'll try to be a bit more articulate. The first two parts of the book were pitch perfect. Orwell paints a vivid picture, then lets us watch as Winston and Julia get a taste of the freedom they are being denied. I understand why they had to be caught in part three. It puts the caution in cautionary tale.
The only detail I would change is the very end when Winston is truly brainwashed. The Party conquers his thought, and he loves Big Brother. I would want to leave readers with the idea that their minds are the one thing they can always keep for themselves. Then again, the disturbing ending might be part of the book's power. Orwell, I bow to your genius.
Interestingly, I followed up this, the classic tale of a future dystopia, with Ender's Shadow, a more current prediction for the future. Not that they lacked parallels. Oh, but Orwell is such a master of the futuristic cautionary tale that this book defies the title of science fiction. I mean, ever heard of Big Brother? Orwell defined the concept!
Okay, I'll try to be a bit more articulate. The first two parts of the book were pitch perfect. Orwell paints a vivid picture, then lets us watch as Winston and Julia get a taste of the freedom they are being denied. I understand why they had to be caught in part three. It puts the caution in cautionary tale.
The only detail I would change is the very end when Winston is truly brainwashed. The Party conquers his thought, and he loves Big Brother. I would want to leave readers with the idea that their minds are the one thing they can always keep for themselves. Then again, the disturbing ending might be part of the book's power. Orwell, I bow to your genius.
boredguy's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
eva_stars's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75