“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
I finally read 1984! I do not know how I had not read one of the most semin“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
I finally read 1984! I do not know how I had not read one of the most seminal texts in the history of literature before, but I have rectified that wrong now. It is quite a unique reading experience, ad 1984 is so famous that we know much of the direction of the story, and the theme at the core. That awareness makes it a very different and interesting reading experience.
Orwell masterfully creates tone and atmosphere that is both intense, displaying conflict, whilst at the same time showing the robotic nature of the society explored, where there can be no conflict. There are moments of genius that are frankly terrifying, such as the idea of the government taking words out of the dictionary each year, so as it shrinks. People are finding it harder and harder to express themselves, again avoiding external conflict, whilst creating an internal tension as people know something is wrong, but cannot explain it. A fascinating concept, but again, terrifying, and a great exploration of the power of language.
“Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.”
1984 is not what I would call and ‘enjoyable’ read, but it is one of those books that lives uptown its reputation, and it feels like everybody should read it. Despite being written over seventy years ago, it still feels relevant and powerful, and that is testament as to how this book has stood the test of time....more
My brother recently read Tender Is the Flesh and said, whilst it was not his favourite book, that it had some brilliant concepts. So, as I had it on AMy brother recently read Tender Is the Flesh and said, whilst it was not his favourite book, that it had some brilliant concepts. So, as I had it on Audible, I dived straight in. Overall, I am of the same mind as my brother regarding this short novel. It is brilliantly disturbing in the ideas that are explored, with the lengths humanity will go to survive, as well as greed and power, acting as the key points.
But, the way it is carried out could be better. At times it is not very subtle, and the exposition early on is pretty heavy. Saying that though, it is still effective and chilling, so some aspects are evidently executed well.
This is set slightly in the future, and the world has dramatically changed. Food was rapidly running out, so other means of production and food was found.... cannibalism.
The tension does rise and end in a well-done culmination, with a final twist that is horrifying to end on, but a really great idea. It is very dark, so saying it was a satisfying conclusion doesn't seem right. But it was effective, and something I definitely do not regret listening to. Also, I would say that this seemed to suit the format of Audible fantastically, with this bringing it extra life and visual power, with the narrator carrying out his performance in such a great fashion. He understood the tone that needed to be crafted, and did everything he could to deliver.
I now have a YouTube channel that I run with my brother, called 'The Brothers Gwynne'. Check it out - The Brothers Gwynne
Wow! This book is absolutI now have a YouTube channel that I run with my brother, called 'The Brothers Gwynne'. Check it out - The Brothers Gwynne
Wow! This book is absolutely brilliant! One of the tensest reads I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy.
The prose is completely different to McCarthy's in No Country for Old Men, really showing his absolute genius. His style was perfect for the tone, atmosphere and context of the novel.
It is a dystopian novel set after a nuclear war that has destroyed almost all civilisation. A Father and son journey across hostile and desolate land in search for other survivors who have not fallen into madness.
The relationship between the father and son and how it grows is really wonderful and emotional. Characters were brilliant and realistic.
I would recommend this to anyone. It is not a long read, and is absolutely amazing!
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