Reviews tagging 'Toxic friendship'

Animal Farm by George Orwell

5 reviews

riverofhorton's review

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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.

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lorraine19's review

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Like all of Orwell's books, it's dark and tense. Definitely not the book to read if you're looking for a feels good. It's definitely a classic for a reason and an easier read than 1984. Short and face paced but gets right to the point and is easy to understand. It will definitely leave you frustrated and feeling sad/angry as is the point. Might have to make sure you are in the right mindset when reading it but it is definitely one everyone should read at least once. 

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elizabeth_1111's review

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adventurous challenging informative reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The best book i ever read.This changed my perspective on literature, it really showed me the thing you can do with a book! The allegory WOWED me!

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annalikescats's review

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

1.5

Boring .  The cat should’ve overthrown the government 

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darbo's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 It was a phenomenal book. Some might say it's a children's book - and I've heard George Orwell even said so himself - but it's simply stunning and very moving. The way everything develops and unfolds is just magnificent, and the conclusion of the story itself was outrageous and amazing. I highly, highly recommend this book to literally anyone and everyone, no matter the age. It's a very easy and quick read (I finished it in a day), which portrays a greater picture and has a greater story/moral outlining it; which some may find difficult to grasp at first. Especially if you're still too young to understand. But, my god, was it a fantastic read! And even if you don't get the greater picture at first, it's still a cute and fun, yet also sad story. Highly recommended. 

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