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ireadsstuff's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This is what I wrote when I paused the book in July: ”it is something about Gordon that makes me uncomfortable, I wish I could just laugh at the irony of his statements but to be honest I see myself in him, in watching the tragedy of capitalism unfold before ones eyes, seeing friends and family affected by it both mentally and physically and having the need to escape, but realizing the only way to survive is to participate, one way or the other”
After finishing the book - no I certainly do NOT see myself in Gordon. What an absolute asshat of a man. His view of other people and especially women makes me sick to my stomach.
Sure this is a commentary on capitalism and how we are all forced to participate in the ”hamster wheel” as well as a critique of the ”middle class”, but Gordon just made me sick, uew.
The aspidistra is the tree of life had me laughing on the floor
After finishing the book - no I certainly do NOT see myself in Gordon. What an absolute asshat of a man. His view of other people and especially women makes me sick to my stomach.
Sure this is a commentary on capitalism and how we are all forced to participate in the ”hamster wheel” as well as a critique of the ”middle class”, but Gordon just made me sick, uew.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Antisemitism, and Sexism
ac_rva's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Classism, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Abortion, Sexism, and Gaslighting
rhonaindabooks's review
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Genuinely an excellent read, I found myself literally despising Gordon (the main character) which I hope Orwell intended as it made this book all the more interesting. Gordon is deeply flawed, driven by an ideology that seems honourable enough but essentially wreaks havoc in all areas of his life. This book explores our relationship with money and how it can be a curse and a blessing but ultimately all consuming- all characters seems to forge a different but difficult relationship with it. Just as a trigger warning and part of the reason I despised Gordon- he treats women as pawns and does basically pressurise and sexually assault Rosemary (his girlfriend) I think this was intentional and Orwell trying to explain how money corrupts- not sure, but this is why Gordon is so bloody unlikeable. Overall, an excellent read full of anxt and philosophy around capitalism.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Sexual assault, Sexism, Pregnancy, and Misogyny
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