Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Animal Farm

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.

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sophie42's review against another edition

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challenging dark hopeful sad fast-paced

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

4.0

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reallyitsrudi's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad 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? Yes

5.0

with it being only 139 pages, I expected it to be really difficult to understand without external aids, but this was captivating and easy to read and understand, which I appreciate. it's very scary how easily things went downhill from where it began and I hope people get the correct messages from this story.

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surdiablo's review against another edition

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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.

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