'1984' by George Orwell is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society where the government controls every aspect of its citizens' lives. The protagonist, Winston Smith, rebels against the oppressive regime and falls in love with Julia, leading to dire consequences. explores themes of government surveillance, loss of freedom, and the manipulation of truth, creating a haunting and thought-provoking narrative that reflects on the dangers of unchecked power. Orwell's writing style is sharp and impactful, evoking a sense of hopelessness and entrapment that resonates with readers.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include torture, psychological manipulation, violence, and oppression.
Has Romance?
While there is a significant romantic subplot involving Winston and Julia, it is overshadowed by the oppressive political context.
From The Publisher:
Orwell's classic dystopian fiction warns us of our future, and deals with issues that speak to multiple dangers faced by many nations today.
Winston Smith is a member of 'the party' and subject to constant surveillance by the eyes of Big Brother, the ruler of the society. 'Newspeak' is designed to eradicate all political speech, 'Thoughtcrimes' are categorized as any thoughts of resistance or rebellion against any aspect of society, and the threat of despatch to 'Room 101' is a looming warning to all. Orwell explores the mechanics of totalitarianism revealing how control over the mass media allows the state to control all aspects of life, both the past and the future.
Ratings (1261)
Incredible (246) | |
Loved It (398) | |
Liked It (367) | |
It Was OK (153) | |
Did Not Like (70) | |
Hated It (27) |
Reader Stats (1853):
Read It (1328) | |
Currently Reading (16) | |
Want To Read (348) | |
Did Not Finish (26) | |
Not Interested (135) |
22 comment(s)
Another one to keep rereading. Still relevant today and much to learn from Orwell's writings.
I read this in secondary school - for higher studies English class. It was/is quite a chilling dystopian read. Its very much an allegory. A story that was very much ahead of its time. A sobering read.
Interesting but ultimately boring and repetitive ☹️
I expected to love this book but, in reality, it was just OK. I thought it was slow and dragged a bit. I also didn't like the blatant sexism -- obviously, it's a product of its time. I still don't have to like it. I also didn't enjoy being reminded of how similar this is to our current inept government. On the plus side, it did make me think. That's always a good thing!
I really loved it, it was my first novel of this sort and i was kind of reluctant since i read different things usually. I loved the fact that it made me think about society, freedom of speech and how lucky we actually are.
4.5* Holy hell.
I've read this book several times, first in high school for AP English and then in college. I am not a big fan of science fiction/dystopia novels in general. This one manages to be intriguing and parts of it sent cold chills down my spine. It's the type of book to make you paranoid, as you will definitely see evidence of your own society in this frightening tale. The symbolism is fun, and the book definitely makes you think, plus it's fun to discuss with other people.
Hay muchos libros que se dicen imprescindibles, muchas listas de libros que leer en tu vida. Pero creo que este es EL libro. Si no lo has leido aun, no puedes hacer nada mejor con tu tiempo de lectura que leerlo.
Lo lei en mi adolescencia y cambió cómo veo el mundo. El libro es una distopia tan directa y cruel que obliga al lector a plantearse muchas cosas y ese es su gran poder.
Ademas presenta una sociedad con unas caracteristicas tan unicas que se quedan en la imaginacion. La influencia del libro en practicamente todo libro que trate sobre una distopia, en muchisimas peliculas e incluso uno de los mejores discos de David Bowie (Diamond Dogs) dan fe de que es un clasico necesario para comprender que somos y como pensamos.
Didn't root for any characters
Genuinely one of my favourite books of all time. I was consistently engaged throughout the entire story, and it is one of the most memorable dystopian worlds I have ever read about.
What can you read after
1984?
About the Author:
George Orwell, the pseudonym of Eric Arthur Blair, was born in Bengal, India, in 1903. He was educated at Eton, became a policeman in Burma but suffered and studied poverty. His great works, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, are a product of his hatred of totalitarianism. His legacy of writing and political thought is much admired today.
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