talya__a 's review for:

1984 Julia by Sandra Newman

3.5

challenging dark tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Ive never read Orwell’s version and I don’t have a desire to after reading this. I thought the writing was thoughtful and engaging with a good pace. I found the book overall pretty depressing, scary and sad. Unlike dystopian books written by  feminists such Octavia Butler, Ursula K Le Guin or Marge Piercy, this did not demonstrate ways that people and communities work together to overcome oppression. This was one woman trying to protect herself. I found Julia as a character fairly likable but very uninspiring. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Gore, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Excrement, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail

There was no explicit sexual assault scenes, nor was there gender/sex specific torture scenes. The torture scenes were very difficult.