Reviews

Animal Farm by George Orwell

flamepea's review against another edition

4.0

Somehow I removed this groundbreaking book completely from my shelves so I’m going to have to rewrite a review later and find out when I first read it.

kaylee_kale's review against another edition

challenging informative tense medium-paced

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

1.25

willjacks's review

5.0

I love learning about the rise and fall of communism in Russia, specifically told through the lens of the western perspective. There’s always an air of satire or caricature, a key example being the Death of Stalin. Pretty much all depictions of communism stem from this one book, which aimed at a young audience. Orwell wanted to release this book just as the Soviet Union had saved Europe from the Nazis, so we all considered Stalin as an ally. However, Orwell isn’t afraid to call things out for what they truly are, making him the most important author of the 20th century. This book permeates to this day, likely because everything he predicted in this book came true.

Let’s not forget: this isn’t criticising communism. It is clearly reflecting what we could consider a bitter truth. The inevitability of corruption and the exploitation of hierarchy. No matter how collectivised and autonomous the farm, there is still a fat pig that drinks all the beer at the top.

thechanelmuse's review against another edition

5.0

Haven't read this since high school. Still a favorite.

brookesuftko's review against another edition

4.0

Very interesting and eye opening. This gives a good perspective on power and blindly following

lyakimov's review against another edition

4.0

This was very depressing. It was good though, it captures your interest and it is short so that was great. Very thought-provoking.

minker's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

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

2.0

Still not a fan for Orwell or dispotian books 

samanthakapetsonis's review against another edition

dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

eesh25's review

5.0

Animal Farm is about a farm. There's a rebellion against the humans due to their mistreatment of animals, and the animals take over. They talk and everything. Some of them can even read and write. Some are significantly intelligent, the pigs, while other are not, like the sheep. It's a simple premise that sets the stage for a brilliant political satire.

There is so much in this book. The lower classes, how dictators are made, how terrorism is used, how war is used, the promise of so-called "equality", the manipulation of the masses... And the best part is that George Orwell doesn't even try to be subtle about it.

One might think that, since the author's using animals, it's because he doesn't want to be too bold but no, he's very in-your-face about everything. And that's accomplished by having most animals be less smart than even the most ignorant of humans. That helps the author get away with more obvious manipulations that the animals are unable to see past but are clear to the reader. It's a brilliant book. Definitely something I'd recommend to everyone.

Though I do wonder why the hell it's be categorized as science fiction so much. I get fantasy, talking animals and all, but why sci-fi? Can someone explain?

bjlongchamps's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

3.5