A review by lolsous
1984 by George Orwell

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It's well written and a classic for a reason, but I think I would have liked it better if I read it in the 40-50s. It has in some aspects not aged well. Given the Soviet Union and following WW2 I think the investigation of how a totalitarian state can form in the disguise of socialism is valid. However, the critique is not nuanced. We know now that socialism also made very good societies for a long period of time and that capitalism is not really a perfect solution (not sure Orwell believed this, but it is a valid interpretation from the book). This is Winston's story, but it is sad to see how the character of Julia (the only speaking woman) is treated. The way Julia is depicted, the book seems to support Winston's thoughts that women are less thinking than men and will more easily be manipulated to believe and support the totalitarian state. Also, Winston disinterested in others, especially people from a lower social class than him, hinders the reader from knowing more about the world, everything told about Winston's world is told through untrustworthy propaganda. While I understand this choice, I was a bit sad not to know more about the world in 1984.
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