I read this book and my exact reaction to finishing the book was me saying “what the fuck was this book?” out loud. I don’t know what it is about it but something in my mind is repulsed by the thought of even looking at the book again. I’ve never felt this way about any other book I have ever read but there is something in me that makes me never want to even think about 1984 again. Am I the only one who thinks this?
I think the reaction you are having is important. ‘Good art’ leaves an impression in us, and even when you don’t understand why, it’s important.
The topics in this book are massively important, sadly as much so today as in the past. It’s not a happy book. It’s not a book where the ‘good guy’ wins. There are no good guys. The book is about the dehumanising nature of fascism, and the horrific abuse of and hunger for power in these systems.
What you will probably find, now that you’ve read it, is a disturbing number of parallels to current political leaders and systems. That’s why it’s such an important book. It’s a small book, but it’s the best characterisation and critique of fascism I’ve ever come across - it’s both easy to understand and utterly devastating from the reader’s perspective.
You may or may not choose to read it again, personally I try to reread or watch things that make me feel something and I don’t know why, but I do suggest you think about it a little bit. What did you find repulsive, and why?
Despair? It’s likely because at the end Big Brother wins and there seems to be no hope for anyone.
Did you read the appendix? It’s written by a narrator in the books future in a way that suggests The Party eventually collapsed or was overthrown and society regained freedom, which made me feel better.