1984. It's really good.

103 replies

Oricolt · 21/01/2026 07:34

I'd never read it and picked it up at a charity store. Started it because I thought it was one of those books I 'ought' to read - if only to be able to nod meaningfully when people make current geopolitical comparisons. But - actually - it's really good. Not a hard read at all. Am enjoying it.

OP posts:

MsAmerica · 31/01/2026 21:06

senua · 31/01/2026 13:36

I just found it a bit... obvious and kind of underwhelming.
It's a testament to his foresight that he was predicting all this 80 years ago. Do you fancy trying to guess where we will be 80 years from now?

I must admit that I had a similar reaction when I saw a full-length Buster Keaton, until I realised that the 'obvious' stuff he was doing was only 'obvious' because every slapstick comedian since then had copied him. He was the original, the blueprint; it was the people after him that were the 'obvious' ones.

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Right, I remember being in a film class where someone complained about the cliches in an old movie, and the professor said, No, you don't understand - this was before the cliches; the cliches are based on this.

justtheotheronemrswembley · 31/01/2026 22:06

senua · 31/01/2026 14:06

people want to spend their free time doing things for fun.
Like they do in Brave New World?

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No. Obviously not. I don't belong to a book club, but if I did, then I'd be wanting to read something that was entertaining, made me laugh or cheered me up.

I did A-level English Literature in the 1970's and if that isn't enough to put you off the classics, I don't know what is. I'm done with having to read things I don't want to read.

TeeBee · 31/01/2026 22:12

It’s my favourite book ever. Think I’ve read it about 15 times.

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