hirnkaese 's review for:

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

4.0

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Orwell portrays a sad future where there is no freedom, privacy, or individualism. The main character, Winston Smith, fights against this government, trying to express himself and find meaning in a world that does not allow it. Another character, Julia, also wants the same things as Winston, but has a different perspective. The book makes one feel like being trapped in this world, highlighting the importance of being connected with others and fighting for individuality in a society that suppresses this. The book warns us about the dangers of living under a powerful government that controls everything. It shows phenomena of many totalitarian systems, like no one is allowed to speak up or criticise, the ones in charge decide about the narrative of the past to the absurdity, hate against an (fictional) enemy as political tool, limiting language to a very restricted vocabulary,... Much of this has been seen through the time before and after Orwell and is sadly still relevant today. The book keeps its importance because it explores timeless ideas like the desire for power and control and the need for personal freedom and privacy.

Captivating. Intensive. Oppressive.