Review by orionmerlin - Animal Farm

orionmerlin 's review for:

Animal Farm by George Orwell

4.75

challenging dark informative reflective tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Characters – 9/10

The characters in Animal Farm were strikingly memorable and served as clear allegorical representations of historical figures and societal archetypes. Napoleon’s ruthless cunning, Snowball’s idealistic leadership, and Boxer’s tragic loyalty left a lasting impression. Even secondary characters like Squealer and the sheep played essential roles in reinforcing the novel’s themes. Orwell crafted personalities that were both distinctive and haunting, making it easy to describe them and their motivations. The only drawback was that some characters were intentionally one-dimensional to serve the fable’s purpose, but this did not weaken their effectiveness.

Atmosphere/Setting – 8/10

The farm setting was simple yet powerful, transforming a pastoral landscape into a chilling, dystopian world. Orwell’s descriptions were sparse but evocative, capturing both the initial sense of revolutionary hope and the slow descent into tyranny. While the setting was not as vividly immersive as in high fantasy or richly detailed historical fiction, it served its purpose well, reinforcing the allegory without unnecessary embellishment. The atmosphere shifted masterfully from hopeful to oppressive, reflecting the characters’ fates.

Writing Style – 10/10

Orwell’s writing was masterfully concise. Every word carried weight, and the prose was both accessible and impactful. The balance between narration and dialogue was seamless, making the novel an effortless but deeply thought-provoking read. Orwell’s ability to distill complex political ideas into a deceptively simple story was brilliant. His writing flowed smoothly, never feeling overwrought or excessive. I would absolutely read more of Orwell’s work in different genres, as his command of language and clarity of thought were exceptional.

Plot – 9/10

The pacing was nearly perfect, moving swiftly from the initial rebellion to the gradual corruption of power. There were no unnecessary scenes, and the evolution of the farm’s society was disturbingly believable. The story’s inevitability added to its impact, with each event unfolding with a grim sense of logic. The ending, where the pigs become indistinguishable from humans, was one of the most hauntingly effective conclusions I have ever read. If anything, the story’s brevity left me wanting even more depth in certain areas, but that was also part of its strength.

Intrigue – 10/10

I found myself completely engrossed in Animal Farm from start to finish. The short length contributed to its compulsive readability, but more importantly, the story itself was gripping. The rising tension, betrayals, and power shifts kept me fully engaged. Even knowing the historical allegory, I still felt the weight of each moment. The novel’s relevance to real-world politics and human nature made it even more fascinating. I never once lost interest.

Logic/Relationships – 9/10

The story followed a clear, logical progression. The characters’ actions, particularly Napoleon’s manipulative rise to power, felt terrifyingly realistic. The allegory aligned so well with historical events that it was difficult to separate fiction from reality. Orwell ensured that the dynamics between the animals mirrored real-world power struggles, and the relationships—whether between Napoleon and Squealer, Snowball and Boxer, or the pigs and the other animals—were all deeply symbolic and effective. If anything, some characters felt more like symbols than fully realized individuals, but this was intentional.

Enjoyment – 10/10

Animal Farm was a brilliant, unsettling, and profoundly thought-provoking read. I was completely absorbed by its message and execution, and its impact lingered long after I finished. Despite its bleak themes, I found the experience of reading it both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in politics, human nature, or powerful storytelling. It is a masterpiece that remains just as relevant today as when it was first published.

Content Warnings