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riverofhorton's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
This was an incredibly thought-provoking book from start to finish and something that I can see myself revisiting in the future.
I went into this knowing it was an allegory for Stalin's Russia, but knowing little about the USSR, I didn't know how that would present. I found it most interesting that we see a lot of Napoleon's early tactics in the politics of today, especially right-wing groups, I also find this parallel to be deeply unsettling in nature, and and wonder how long it will be before we are like the other farm animals of this book, if our real-world politics continue down the path they are on.
On a more personal note, I saw a lot of my past self within the character of Boxer, as well as a lot of people no longer in my life in Napoleon's character. It was slightly disconcerting as such an animal lover myself to draw these comparisons, but it did remind me of how far I've come in the past few years.
To end on a lighter note, I enjoyed reading about the dynamic between Boxer and Benjamin, and find myself wondering if the intention was to portray a queer love between the two male characters, or if that was just my brain. I did also find the characterisation of the cat to be perfect throughout.
I went into this knowing it was an allegory for Stalin's Russia, but knowing little about the USSR, I didn't know how that would present. I found it most interesting that we see a lot of Napoleon's early tactics in the politics of today, especially right-wing groups, I also find this parallel to be deeply unsettling in nature, and and wonder how long it will be before we are like the other farm animals of this book, if our real-world politics continue down the path they are on.
On a more personal note, I saw a lot of my past self within the character of Boxer, as well as a lot of people no longer in my life in Napoleon's character. It was slightly disconcerting as such an animal lover myself to draw these comparisons, but it did remind me of how far I've come in the past few years.
To end on a lighter note, I enjoyed reading about the dynamic between Boxer and Benjamin, and find myself wondering if the intention was to portray a queer love between the two male characters, or if that was just my brain. I did also find the characterisation of the cat to be perfect throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
persian_green's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Slavery, Violence, and Classism
Moderate: Gun violence, Murder, and War
millie_eevee's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Slavery
flooooo's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
aymboi's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, and Classism
wad3mil3sgarru2's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Gaslighting
Minor: Animal death, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, and Murder
claudiashelf's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
❝ Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself. ❞
Isn’t it ironic how I didn’t feel surprised because the topic in this book is still relevant and pertinent to today’s matters in so many ways? Well, it somehow scares me, not going to lie. Even still, the writing style in this book is something that I adore, because of how in the world, real issues like this or whatever you call it can stay it still leaves traces of faery myths even though decades have passed— Providing a more accessible means of comprehending communism, its principles, and the reasons behind its downfall, without requiring one to study its past. Yes, the writing and the entire characters are so thoughtful and reflective. It is unquestionably a must-read for everyone, and this book is well worth your time whether you read it quickly or analyse it in depth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Suicide, and Violence
lyfeinpr0gress's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Gun violence, Slavery, Violence, Gaslighting, War, and Classism
minoestrashrat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Had to read this for school, but I've been wanting to read this for ages. I always love a good animal story and this was really chilling and tense to read through. The short length works really well and the metaphors are crazy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Moderate: Death
surdiablo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
All I can say after finishing this book is that everyone should read it if they can. Animal Farm is one of those classics that offers a timeless, universal warning about totalitarian regimes. It's an excellent allegory that delves into the consequences of corrupted Communism and how the rich will manipulate the working class. The usage of animals to retell The Russian Revolution and its aftereffects was near perfect, albeit heavy-handed if you ask me ( The latter didn't affect my enjoyment however ). It's an easy read with fast pacing, and I would recommend reading the introduction as well after finishing the story since it provides more insight into the political atmosphere back then.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Alcohol