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ch1oe's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
thelilredhead's review against another edition
5.0
I never read this in high school and I'm glad I did because I wouldn't have understood the subtle complexities of this book. Or its parallels to today's society. I have read many, many, dystopia, but never have I read a utopia-dystopia that had as much control over its population as this one did. Complete and total control. Language was shortened and restricted to a couple descriptive words. Definitions of words were strictly defined. History is rewritten, and any evidence to prior history (even if just last week) was completely wiped from existence. Children are taught (indoctrinated) at school to spy on parents. There are telescreens recording everything. Sex is reduced to a solely child-making duty, anything else is considered a sex crime. There is no room for rebellion in this world of Orwell's creation. I'm glad I didn't read this in high school, I would've thought it was dull, boring, and the ending anticlimactic. Now I think the ending was utterly unique among dystopic novels. Very well thought through. Very interesting.
gigix's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
markfinn98's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
bookishbeagle's review against another edition
5.0
WOW. What a book! I am glad that I've finished it and that I've read it now instead of earlier on. I don't think I would've understood and felt as much as I did--do--now, if I had read it when I was younger. Read it in the right state of mind at the right time.
sally24's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
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
5.0
Expected a lecture on politics, but was stunned by how captivating the plot was. Style felt so modern for a book written in 1949, while also clearly reflecting the political & social sentiments of the time. Bizzare to read the origin of so many terms that are now firmly part of the lingua franca - big brother, room 101 etc. Overall easy 5-star read.
ahmedzouaki's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The thought provocative principles which the world of 1984 revolves around are absolute work of genius. Namely concepts like DOUBLETHINK; the fact that; to be an orthodox citizen living in accordance with The Party (the government) you have to be able to alter your own perception of reality “REALITY CHECK” or “MENTAL CHEATING” based on what you are told. Two plus two equals five if you are told so even if you know it’s four. It’s not enough to pretend that it equals fives but you have to use doublethink and actually believe it. If you don’t, you will inevitably be detected and deemed a THOUGHT CRIMINAL. The concept of NEWSPEAK- how language is particularly limited so as to limit how much people think. You cant help but compare to today’s notion of political correctness, you get UNPERSON’ed if you you use something other than NEWSPEAK just as you get “cancelled” if you don’t say something politically correct in today’s climate. Also, how insanely detailed description of the protagonist thought process is carried out to perfection mixed with the unpredictability of the plot twist keeps you hooked from start to finish. And so on and so forth.. one could go forever talking about what makes this book great. It is without a doubt an all time classic and anything short of a 5/5 perfect score would be an understatement.
peregrrine's review against another edition
4.75
I’m not prepared to give a political commentary on this book, except that I do believe people can accept pain for others even as they’re undergoing it. I thought it was quite well-written, however!