Cover Image: 1984

1984

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Member Reviews

I'm a big fan of dystopian fiction and The Handmaid's Tale is my favorite novel. So, I've always wanted to read one of the classics that so heavily influenced it. I really enjoyed many aspects of 1984, especially the world-building. I did struggle at times with the main character, which is what kept this from being a 5 star read for me.

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A reissue of a definitive classic. This alarmist dystopian tale is just as relevant (and depressing) now as it was back in 1984 when I read it for school. Excellent narration.

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I loved hearing this as an audiobook - the narrator brought the feeling of the story to life very well. And, of course, Orwell's book is a classic for a reason, and is ever more relevant.

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I heard about this book for years, but never got around to reading it, so I jumped at the chance to listen to the audiobook. I love a dystopian society and I enjoyed listening as the plot unfolded. I have to say how bummed I was that the resistance ended up just being a ruse put on by Big Brother. I wasn't expecting a happy ending or anything, but this story was a bit too bleak even for me.
The narrator was engaging and the sections were a good length–enough to feel complete, but not so long that it feels like you're not making any progress. Overall, I'd agree that this book has stood the test of time for a reason.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for a free review copy of this audiobook.

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Can't say. I keep running out of time on your app to listen to the book. I didn't get a chance to hear it so I can't really comment except to say how much I don't like this Netgalley app.

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I really enjoyed this rendition of the dystopian classic 1984. The plot is just as relevant now as when it was written, and is great for those familiar with the story, as well as new readers.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title and thought the narration was great and really kept the story engaging.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

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1984 was one of those books that everyone talks about that you say "man, I really need to read that one of these days" and then when it pops up as an ARC that you can request, you think "perfect! this will be my opportunity to read it finally!" Well, I went into this with high hopes after reading some reviews and hearing so much about it. I found the characters to be overall pretty bland and I really only cared about them because of how crazy the events happening to them were. I didn't particularly care for the plotline and really only cared about learning about this bizarre dystopian world. I did find that aspect to be absolutely fascinating and terrifying and understand why so many loved this for that reason. However, I think the character development is lacking a lot and had a hard time connecting with the characters, Overall, this is an important one to read and does have a lot of good lessons woven in, but I don't think it's the best storytelling.

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Who’s late to the 1984 party?!? Me?! Yep, it’s totally me!! Although this won’t be one of my favorites I do think it’s a great book for everyone to read! I’m so incredibly thankful to the publisher and NetGalley for this ALC because without it I may not have may my way through it. Some parts were a bit challenging for me to get through with ease. This book explores lots of things we see happening in the world today. Insightful. This is for sure a book I’ll think about long after I’ve read it.

Thanks again to the publisher for this ALC in exchange for my honest review! I highly recommend listening to this one!

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1984 by George Orwell
Narrated by Peter Noble
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Sci Fi & Fantasy
Published: April 5, 2022

1984 by George Orwell is one of those books that should be revisited every few years and read from a new perspective. I always find something I missed or understood differently in a previous reading.

This edition of 1984 was narrated by Peter Noble and I thought it was fantastic!

If you have not read 1984, you definitely should. As with all dystopian novels, this book is not an instruction manual, yet a cautionary tale of what could be...

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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The old story still gives me tingling sensation. Nonsensical story becomes making sense when it gets repeated over and over. We could still live in the world without knowing that we are brainwashed.

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Listened to audio narrated well by Peter Noble. Very easy to listen to even as the content was disturbing.

'War is Peace'
'Freedom is Slavery'
'Ignorance is Strength.

Beware of Big Brother and the Ministry of Truth, Plenty and Love.

Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth, correcting anything that deviates from the current rhetoric of Big Brother and the party. His mind won't conform, even as he tries to play the part of a good comrade.

An alternate England called Airstrip One, exists with an authoritarian regime, who has no qualms about revising history so the leadership always appears to be right. There is no privacy, everyone is always being watched, not only electronically but by their neighbors. Fear of the Thought Police, must use the contrary DoubleThink, hatred is encouraged and love is disdained.

Winston Smith sees a young 'comrade' who is part of a youth abstinence group, he fantasizes killing her in a very graphic, brutal way than meets her later and suddenly, they love each other and they engage in activities that are against all the rules and could get them both a trip to the Ministry or be vaporized. This makes no sense and neither character is very likeable.

People are watched 24/7 for incorrect behavior and encouraged to turn their fellow comrades in for any deviations from acceptable thoughts, words or actions. A culture where independent thought or trusting anyone could get you deleted from society. Big Brother and the party re-writes history so they are always right and the people are programmed to 'forget' anything that might contradict or question the party, lest they be taken in by the thought police.

I read this book in high school and still remember being disturbed by this story. Listening to this book again on audio after all these years hasn't changed the disturbing nature of the content. There are a lot of holes in the story but it is a scary vision of the future. Knowing Orwell was reflecting on things happening in Russia and taking them to an extreme future possibility, it's scary that seventy-three years after its initial publication there are echoes of it happening in the world today.

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Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for this audio In exchange for an honest review. I have read this book a couple of times in the past so when I saw this as an audio book I had to listen. And I was not disappointed. The narration was done well and was on point. The premise of the story is scary with Big Brother always watching. Even the narration made it even scarier. 🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2 strong stars for this one.

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Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!

It's been a long time since I've read 1984. And this new production was a top-notch way to rediscover the old classic. The narrator is fantastic, and I loved the inclusion of the appendix in the audiobook, which isn't always done. Terrific production!

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Unsettling in both content and the historical lens in which it was written, but at times quite dull in the reading. It felt very didactic at times (esp. during the sections where our main lead was getting lectured to) and I hate how women are portrayed/talked about. But, definitely worth reading in 2022.

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While 1984 is a classic novel and well-regarded in it's own right, I had not previously read it. I went in curious to find out the story and hoping I would enjoy this "old" book. I was pleasantly surprised at how relevant the plot is, how frightening that this can and does happen in a "history-repeats-itself" kind of way, and immediately engaged by the narrator.

The narrator has a rich deep voice with interest and intrigue that reflects the story and characters. The elements of the story were thrilling, and made for a great listen during my commutes. I would highly recommend this version of 1984 as it feels more modern and fresh and is easily listened to in digital format.

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I dont love the readers voice but this story is so important specially right now. It is considered a classic so I feel lucky to have now read it

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Somehow I'm liked this even more than the first time I read it (which was IDK when; 2014 or earlier? sometime after high school/2010 but before grad school/2016). I clearly should have reread it sooner. This is one of those I need to reread every few years.

I listened to Netgalley audiobook by Dreamscape Media narrated by Peter Nobel. It's well performed.
The first time I listened to the 1986 recording of Frank Muller. I still prefer Muller's voice in general, but Noble's rendition is fantastic and arguably a better fit for this.

I may expand on this review, but these are my general thoughts on the ARC provided.

PS: I reread this a couple months after my first read through of Brave New World, and since they are so often associated with each other, it's worth noting, this far superior in every way, from the writing, to the story telling, to the subtlety (and yet overtness) of its message. It made for a more believable (and all the more terrifying) world.

For my full thoughts, see my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4MdXC6sRwY

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Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy of 1984.

1984 is a book that has been on my TBR list for many years, but one I just never got around to reading. I was probably subconsciously too intimidated to read it since I knew it was usually a book heavily analyzed in high school and college lit classes. Folks, I'm so glad that I listened to this on audio instead of trying to read it in print. My brain probably would have given up on the print version. There is a LOT to think about in this book! For me, it's reminiscent of The Handmaid's Tale, although it predates it by 36 years. I think audio is the way to go if you don't need to think too deeply about this book. If you've been wanting to read 1984 but like me, have found it intimidating, give it a try on audio.

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An excellent narration of an old classic! I recommend this to anyone wanting to listen to 1984. Thank you for the opportunity to listen!

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I'd always wanted to pick up the audio version of this book and it did not disappoint. The narrator has a perfect droll tone that compliments the story perfectly. There's been enough commentary on Orwell's classic over the years, so I'll focus on the audiobook experience here. It's dismal, riveting, and one that I feel perfectly embodies the nature of 1984.

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