Name: Matthew Jackson's review of 1984 by George Orwell
Item: 1984
Rating: 4
Author: Matthew Jackson

George Orwell

Written more than 70 years ago, 1984 was George Orwell’s chilling prophecy about the future. And while 1984 has come and gone, his dystopian vision of a government that will do anything to control the narrative is timelier than ever...

Winston Smith toes the Party line, rewriting history to satisfy the demands of the Ministry of Truth. With each lie he writes, Winston grows to hate the Party that seeks power for its own sake and persecutes those who dare to commit thoughtcrimes. But as he starts to think for himself, Winston can’t escape the fact that Big Brother is always watching...

A startling and haunting novel, 1984 creates an imaginary world that is completely convincing from start to finish. No one can deny the novel’s hold on the imaginations of whole generations, or the power of its admonitions—a power that seems to grow, not lessen, with the passage of time.

1984

George Orwell’s 1984 takes on new life with extraordinary relevance and renewed popularity. “Orwell saw, to his credit, that the act of falsifying reality is only secondarily a way of changing perceptions. It is, above all, a way of asserting power.”—The New Yorker In 1984, London is a grim city in the totalitarian state of Oceania where Big Brother is always watching you and the Thought Police can practically read your mind. Winston Smith is a man in grave danger for the simple reason that his memory still functions. Drawn into a forbidden love affair, Winston finds the courage to join a secret revolutionary organization called The Brotherhood, dedicated to the destruction of the Party. Together with his beloved Julia, he hazards his life in a deadly match against the powers that be. Lionel Trilling said of Orwell’s masterpiece, “1984 is a profound, terrifying, and wholly fascinating book. It is a fantasy of the political future, and like any such fantasy, serves its author as a magnifying device for an examination of the present.” Though the year 1984 now exists in the past, Orwell’s novel remains an urgent call for the individual willing to speak truth to power.

Aina

Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood

Every new political theory, by whatever name it called itself, led back to hierarchy and regimentation. And in the general hardening of outlook that set in round about 1930, practices which had been long abandoned, in some cases for hundreds of years—imprisonment without trial, the use of war prisoners as slaves, public executions, torture to extract confessions, the use of hostages and the deportation of whole populations—not only became common again, but were tolerated and even defended by people who considered themselves enlightened and progressive.

It’s the one thing they can't do. They can make you say anything—anything—but they can't make you believe it. They can’t get inside you.

In a way, the world-view of the Party imposed itself most successfully on people incapable of understanding it. They could be made to accept the most flagrant violations of reality, because they never fully grasped the enormity of what was demanded of them, and were not sufficiently interested in public events to notice what was happening. By lack of understanding they remained sane. They simply swallowed everything, and what they swallowed did them no harm, because it left no residue behind, just as a grain of corn will pass undigested through the body of a bird.

Privacy, he said, was a very valuable thing. Everyone wanted a place where they could be alone occasionally.

So long as human beings stay human, death and life are the same thing.

Jena

It was even conceivable that they watched everybody all the time. But at any rate they could plug in your wire whenever they wanted to. You had to live did live, from habit that became instinct-in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized.

Jess (the og)

“Winston stroked his nose gently with a paper-clip.”

Angelica Garcia 

But after reading it he knew better than before that he was not mad. Being in a minority, even a minority of one, did not make you mad. There was truth and there was untruth, and if you clung to the truth even against the whole world, you were not mad.

Yajat Dayal

Maja Ruzicic

Applied to a Party member, it means a loyal willingness to say that black is white when Party discipline demands this. But it means also the ability to BELIEVE that black is white, and more, to KNOW that black is white, and to forget that one has ever believed the contrary.

anne

Die Massen revoltieren nie aus eigenem Antrieb, und sie revoltieren nie, nur weil sie unterdrückt werden. Solange man ihnen die Vergleichsmaßstäbe entzieht, werden sie nicht einmal merken, daß man sie unterdrückt 

Wäre ihm der Kontakt mit Ausländern gestattet, würde er feststellen, daß sie ganz ähnliche Menschen sind wie er und daß das meiste, was er über sie gehört hat, Lügen waren. 

a novel

Nineteen eighty-four

Luca Stromann

Talking to her, he realised how easy it was to present an appearance of orthodoxy while having no grasp whatever of what orthodoxy meant. In a way, the world-view of the Party imposed itself most successfully on people incapable of understanding it. They could be made to accept the most flagrant violations of reality, because they never fully grasped the enormity of what was demanded of them, and were not sufficiently interested in public events to notice what was happening. By lack of understanding they remained sane.

𖠋

‘Who controls the past, ran the Party slogan, 'controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.’ And yet the past, though of its nature al- terable, never had been altered. Whatever was true now was true from everlasting to everlasting. It was quite simple. All that was needed was an unending series of victories over your own memory. ‘Reality control', they called it: in New-speak, 'doublethink.’

Ghanshyam Kabra

Orthodoxy means not thinking-not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness.

Igor Lanko

The weariness of the cell is the vigour of the organism. Do you die when you cut your fingernails?

Already we are breaking down the habits of thought which have survived from before the Revolution. We have cut the links between child and parent, and between man and man, and between man and woman. No one dares trust a wife or a child or a friend any longer.

It must be so; how could the immortal, collective brain be mistaken? By what external standard could you check its judgements?

里森

You must get rid of those 19th century ideas about the laws of nature. We make the laws of nature.

One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.

Matthew Jackson

Holy fuck this depressing-ass book… I’m so glad I only read this now and wasn’t forced to read it in secondary school because I don’t think I would have appreciated it as much as I do right now. Loved “Goldstein’s book”, and I love love loved how Orwell expanded on the control of thought via language. I.e. the entire Appendix was so interesting… 4.5 stars because I almost gave up at Part One and also because I really do not like Winston unfortunately. — “Can you not understand, Winston, that the individual is only a cell? The weariness of the cell is the vigor of the organism. Do you die when you cut your fingernails?”

Nicole

The closest thing to the term "Timeless classic"

I consider the way Orwell portray absolute control to be absolutely haunting. History is not just blurred, it's fictitious. Freedom is stripped to its most naked form that even the freedom to think is taken.

1984 is not just a contemplative critic to authoritarianism, it's also a warning to society. This is what happens if you let power unchecked for too long.

catto fishu

The closest thing to the term "Timeless classic"

I consider the way Orwell portray absolute control to be absolutely haunting. History is not just blurred, it's fictitious. Freedom is stripped to its most naked form that even the freedom to think is taken.

1984 is not just a contemplative critic to authoritarianism, it's also a warning to society. This is what happens if you let power unchecked for too long.

How it was illustrated with his writing is what i appreciate about this book 

Rusydi Aman

First book for 2025 and definitely did not disappoint. My first classic, it surely is tested over time for its quality. I love that it wasn't an easy read for me, but I enjoyed my time reading it. It raised questions in the end that help me understand the story better.

Tina Villarete

Library Edition

Nineteen Eighty-Four

“The command of the old despotisms was ‘Thou shalt not’. The command of the totalitarians was ‘Thou shalt’. Our command is ‘Thou art’.” 

Wow. To control a language is to control entire modes of thought. The end of this book was stomach churning and made me feel ill, however it was also the best part of it. Extremely thought provoking stuff. The characters were fine but maybe lacked more depth to them. The overall message of the story is something I’ll be thinking about and unpacking for a long, long time. 

Brittany Halladay

“The command of the old despotisms was ‘Thou shalt not’. The command of the totalitarians was ‘Thou shalt’. Our command is ‘Thou art’.” 

Wow. To control a language is to control entire modes of thought. The end of this book was stomach churning and made me feel ill, however it was also the best part of it. Extremely thought provoking stuff. The characters were fine but maybe lacked more depth to them. The overall message of the story is something I’ll be thinking about and unpacking for a long, long time. 

Ruby Emmeline Fisher

Honestly jesus christ. This was such a great book to read, especially alongside other people to be able to discuss. Orwell’s style of writing is something I could easily plow through, but I did get, and still am, confused by the time like? But nevertheless, it was a great example of a timeless novel on a surveillance society, censorship and loyalty.

Indi

Santiago Alejandro Crime

dystopian novel that mirrored the reality so well.

… would be 5 but the way they talk abt women…

amelia <3

A classic that is a must read, I was of course absorbed by it, leaving 4.5/5 simply because I would have liked it to be a bit less passive and more revealing. But really really good. 

Nina Alexandra Bacrau

THE AUTHORATITIVE TEXT "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." The year is 1984. War and revolution have left the world unrecognisable. Great Britain, now known as Airstrip One, is ruled by the Party, led by Big Brother. Mass surveillance is everything and The Thought Police ensure no individual thinking is allowed. Winston Smith works at The Ministry of Truth, carefully rewriting history. But Winston dreams of freedom, and of rebellion. It is here that he falls in love with Julia, and starts a secret, forbidden affair with her - but in this world nothing can be kept secret, and they are forced to face consequences more terrifying than either of them could have ever imagined. A dystopian masterpiece, this is the powerful and prophetic novel that defined the twentieth century. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY ROBERT HARRIS

i read this for school and ive heard so much praise for this so i was eager to pick this up but it was an ordeal to even finish this... this wasn't my cup of tea at all, i hated it, it was sexist and all characters were extremely unlikeable. it was hard to read and although the depiction of the dystopian world was strong and quite interesting, i dont like how it was delivered at all

asmo

You're telling me this was published in 1949? Either Orwell foresaw the future, or some things never changed. I think it's worth a read, especially for those for whom this book is banned. 

Throckmorton

Oh boy! This took me for a ride! 

You're telling me this was published in 1949? Either Orwell foresaw the future, or some things never changed. I think it's worth a read, especially for those for whom this book is banned. 

I think I’d have liked this more as a younger person — the text is so well treaded and entrenched in our culture that it seemed a little like I was rereading. That said - it’s 1984, it’s a classic for a reason. World building and POV lessons to be gleaned of course. Read it!

Jess Rez

claire sim qiu yan

Not a happy ending, but interesting commentary on the state of society

Ethan

The Audible Original adaptation of George Orwell's "1984" breathes new life into the classic novel with its stellar cast, immersive soundscapes, and faithful yet dynamic interpretation, offering a compelling experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

The performances are extraordinary, with Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Winston Smith capturing the character’s despair and rebellion with poignant precision. Cynthia Erivo also stands out, giving a chilling voice to Julia.

> “Garfield’s voice creates an eerie intimacy, making listeners feel as if they are inside Winston’s head, sharing his fear and hopelessness."

The sound design enhances the storytelling with subtle sound effects and background scores that set the tone perfectly, transporting listeners to the oppressive world of Oceania.

> "The background sounds and abrupt silences make the listener feel the omnipresent surveillance and control of Orwell’s dystopia."

Staying true to Orwell's original text, this adaptation adds a dynamic layer through auditory elements, building tension gradually and delivering the novel’s darker themes with raw intensity.

> "The narration captures Orwell’s bleakness while voice acting and sound effects amplify the tension and despair, making the horrors of the totalitarian regime feel more immediate and real."

The Audible Original adaptation of "1984" is a masterful rendition that pays homage to Orwell’s classic, enhancing the storytelling through audio. It is a must-listen for anyone looking to experience "1984" in a new light. Whether revisiting the novel or discovering it for the first time, this adaptation offers a compelling and haunting journey into the depths of totalitarianism and the resilience of the human spirit.

Erwin Lemuel Oliva

The Audible Original adaptation of George Orwell's "1984" breathes new life into the classic novel with its stellar cast, immersive soundscapes, and faithful yet dynamic interpretation, offering a compelling experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

1. Stellar Performances

The performances are extraordinary, with Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Winston Smith capturing the character’s despair and rebellion with poignant precision. Cynthia Erivo also stands out, giving a chilling voice to Julia.

> “Garfield’s voice creates an eerie intimacy, making listeners feel as if they are inside Winston’s head, sharing his fear and hopelessness."

2. Immersive Sound Design

The sound design enhances the storytelling with subtle sound effects and background scores that set the tone perfectly, transporting listeners to the oppressive world of Oceania.

> "The background sounds and abrupt silences make the listener feel the omnipresent surveillance and control of Orwell’s dystopia."

3. Faithful Yet Dynamic Interpretation

Staying true to Orwell's original text, this adaptation adds a dynamic layer through auditory elements, building tension gradually and delivering the novel’s darker themes with raw intensity.

> "The narration captures Orwell’s bleakness while voice acting and sound effects amplify the tension and despair, making the horrors of the totalitarian regime feel more immediate and real."

The Audible Original adaptation of "1984" is a masterful rendition that pays homage to Orwell’s classic, enhancing the storytelling through audio. It is a must-listen for anyone looking to experience "1984" in a new light. Whether revisiting the novel or discovering it for the first time, this adaptation offers a compelling and haunting journey into the depths of totalitarianism and the resilience of the human spirit.

I ADORED this book but the ending scarred me for life 

Cristhian Tilleria

I love these kind of books which finish with a very subjective end. Loved it from the beginning and its fame is completely understandable 

Martin

Zisan Bas

Wish I read it earlier but I am glad I read it at this age

not really my vibe,, the first half was sooo slow amd boring but then it got kinda good,, there were some plot teists and sentences thst got me thinking but I prefer more action 

taci

GODDAMN IS THERE ANY BOOK THAT IS MORE HEARTWRENCHING THAN THIS???

Anna 

1984 je rozhodně kniha, kterou by si měl přečíst každý. 
pojednávání o totalitních režimech tak těžkých, že přestanete věřit vlastním vzpomínkám. o tom přesně tahle kniha je a já si myslím, že orwell psychiku člověka žijícího v tomto režimu popsal úžasně. 
sledujeme zde winstona, který odjakživa ví, že celý ten systém nedává smysl, a tím víc ho štve, že to ostatní nějakým způsobem s klidem přijímají. proč tomu ale tak je? proč se jednoduše nevzbouří?
toto dílo se mi líbilo moc, i když bylo v druhé polovině už o dost těžší co se politiky a vnímání týče. rozhodně jsem ale ráda, že jsem se k němu dostala, protože něco takového napsat v padesátých letech je prostě.. pokrokové. až tak moc pokrokové, že orwell popsal následující události, o kterých ještě nemohl ani vědět, zároveň skvěle ukázal sílu moci. když se vám naskytne příležitost ovládnout polovinu světa, ať už to její obyvatele stojí cokoliv, většina lidí by na to zřejmě kývla. a to je strašlivě smutná realita, kterou si při čtení 1984 uvědomíte.
popisy angsockého systému mě nutili přemýšlet nad tím, jestli se náhodou v některých ohledech nynější politici neinspirují právě touto knihou. je až neskutečné, jak některé z těch věcí platí i v této době, v této společnosti. a ještě horší je, že si myslím, že lidi by se zachovali přesně tak, jak se chovají v knize. 
1984 je hodně depresivní kniha plná triggers, takže vás dopředu upozorňuji, že pokud si jí budete chtít přečíst, prosím, vyhledejte si, co všechno obsahuje. i mně při čtení nebylo zrovna nejlépe.
.
4*/5*, rozhodně je to zajímavé pojednání jak o totalitních režimech, tak o lidstvu a společnosti obecně. dalo mi to mnoho nových myšlenek a teď budu určitě několik dní filozofovat nad tím, jak moc se dnešní společnost podobá té orwellově. a zda se vůbec dá takovéto společnosti předejít.

Matthew Jackson &
1984 by George Orwell

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Matthew Jackson &1984 by George Orwell

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Matthew Jackson &
1984 by George Orwell