1984. It's really good.

[Oricolt]

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.

That’s why people have enjoyed it for many decades.

its an amazing book.

It’s my favourite book…I first read it at high school as one of our ‘O’ Level texts (yes, I’m that old 😫). It’s brilliant! I recently bought a special edition version which is utterly beautiful! https://www.foliosociety.com/uk/nineteen-eighty-four-george-orwell

Orwell’s essays are a good read too.

Absolutely recommend Julia by Sandra Newham. It's brilliant and crosses over so well with 1984 but from Julia's view.

It is amazing, but also unnerving in this current world!

I am also currently reading Julia.

I LOVE 1984. And if you like it, next you should read Brave New World. A different kind of dystopian.

I love George Orwell. I read all his books as a teenager.
@fluffiphlox I have his essays on my TBR.

Op - where have you got to in the book? You may change your mind.

I read it recently and I found it completely horrific. First third was enjoyable. Second third, interesting. Last third was horrendous. Was very sorry I'd started it.

Started it because I thought it was one of those books I 'ought' to read
It is 'one of those books you 'ought' to read'.

I read it first in 1983.

Oh heck. I haven't picked it up for a few days. Still in the middle. Is it about to get harrowing?? Don't tell me! I'll keep going.

It worries me that some countries' leaders (and potential leaders) today seem to think it's a manual to follow rather than a warning...

And yes - great book. First read it at school and probably re-read it 5 or 6 times since

Ah, it's one of my favourites and I've loved returning to it a few times over the years. I'm almost envious that you're discovering it for the first time, I wish I could do that again!

It’s one of my favourite books. I also love Animal
Farm, The Clergyman’s Daughter and Keep
the aspidistra flying.

It’s the woke Left who need to re-read it. They’re the ones restricting free speech, bullying and intimidating the professors, accusing people of ‘thought crimes’, banning speakers from university campuses, ‘de-colonising’ the libraries, re-writing the history books, demanding classic novels be edited or pulled from the shelves, etc. No one is more intolerant, destructive or hate-filled than them.

Orwell is the only writer whose complete works I have read. If he could come back from the dead, he would sympathize with Reform voters. I am sure of it. I doubt he’d vote Reform, but I know he would sympathize with their supporters.

everyone should read it. So thought provoking and not a tough read

Crikey! I'm amazed it is a favourite book. I have read it twice, and enjoyed less the second time around. I found parts of it a hard read from a content point of view.

My book group did it a couple of years ago and it got the thumbs down from most members.

I don't think you've understood at all.

Extremes at each end tend to look very similar. Fascists and the leaders of communist regimes look a bit like two legged pigs and men.

The dramatisation on Audible is excellent, although somewhat abridged.

Its is a great but harrowing read.

I felt like I was cracking up reading the last third. I became at one with Winston!

Superb book.

ooh good to know. I did enjoy 1984, but felt Julia was a bit lacking in depth

Thumbs down from a book group. Oh my days.

Why?
We don't all like the same thing.

I need to re-read it as I haven’t read it for many years. I loved it way back when. As someone else suggested, you shoukd read Brave New World, too. Another phenomenal book. Julia has been on my bookshelf for ages, haven’t read it yet.

Right now, though, it is all rather worryingly close to reality.

I’m curious as to why, what was it about the book that people didn’t enjoy?

I know everyone has different tastes, but I would expect many people to enjoy / appreciate/ get something out of at least some of 1984, even if they didn’t enjoy it as a whole experience.

For any kindle users, it's available for 49p.