Reviews with content warning for Forced institutionalization - 1984

Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

1984 by George Orwell

130 reviews

lolsous's review

challenging dark reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

It's well written and a classic for a reason, but I think I would have liked it better if I read it in the 40-50s. It has in some aspects not aged well. Given the Soviet Union and following WW2 I think the investigation of how a totalitarian state can form in the disguise of socialism is valid. However, the critique is not nuanced. We know now that socialism also made very good societies for a long period of time and that capitalism is not really a perfect solution (not sure Orwell believed this, but it is a valid interpretation from the book). This is Winston's story, but it is sad to see how the character of Julia (the only speaking woman) is treated. The way Julia is depicted, the book seems to support Winston's thoughts that women are less thinking than men and will more easily be manipulated to believe and support the totalitarian state. Also, Winston disinterested in others, especially people from a lower social class than him, hinders the reader from knowing more about the world, everything told about Winston's world is told through untrustworthy propaganda. While I understand this choice, I was a bit sad not to know more about the world in 1984.

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malloryjo0521's review

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Difficult read, poor pacing. Very important message.

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mh197960's review

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challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

4.5

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artmuseam's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

haunting and heartbreaking..this book captivated me from the start with the insanely creepy details of this society and how it functions. while it was a bit slow at times, i still found it to be very interesting and i almost wish it was a little bit longer on certain parts. this book is definitely not a light read and honestly made me feel very sad at the end. 4/5 stars

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siowan's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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rewb's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
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

4.75

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knjelite's review

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challenging dark 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? It's complicated

5.0

I am not sure how to accurately describe why or how I loved this book so much especially given the bleak subject matter and even bleaker ending. I think what resonated with me most was O'Brien's description of the purpose of power: not ideological or fanatical or aspirational but just power for power sake. For the torture, defilement, and degradation of others as the end goal. Kind of reframes the current political discourse. Yeah, I don't really have much else to say.

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