Reviews with content warning for Torture - 1984

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1984 by George Orwell

600 reviews

te_ss_i's review against another edition

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dark sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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murderousscottishgremlin's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense 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

2.0

I really didn’t enjoy this book. I can appreciate its literary merits and contributions to the dystopian genre, but it was arduous to read and Orwell’s depiction of female characters was nauseating. It was also just kind of boring.

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lolsous's review against another edition

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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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_jennilein_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

3.0

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sivujensankari's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.

George Orwell’s "1984" is a intriguing reflection of a totalitarian state, control and freedom. It starts off slow but as you get deeper into it, it’s impossible to put down because you just need to know what happens next.

It’s all about this society where the government, led by this mysterious Big Brother, watches everyone's every move. Winston’s journey shows just how much they control everything, even the past or what people think. It’s scary but also quite fascinating.

I found the end to be quite gripping even though the start was really slow for me. At the end, however, there was one part I didn't quite like that much because it was rather preachy. The main character, Winston Smith was quite fleshed out, but I would have liked to know more about the other characters. They, especially Julia, seemed quite superficial.

This would be a five star book for me but the slow beginning and the preachy part reduces the star rating a little for me. Nonetheless, I think everyone should read this book since it tackles so many important topics.

By and large, "1984" is not just a book; it’s a wake-up call about freedom, truth, and standing up against the odds. In addition, it makes you appreciate being able to dive into a book and think for yourself.

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