1984

Spoiler alert if you somehow haven't read this classic, or if you intend on reading it again!

I finished listening to the 1984 audiobook (read by Stephen Fry) a few days ago, and have been meaning to write about it. I remembered most of the love story, but little to nothing of the surrounding/greater plot. Thus, I was hopeful throughout for a "good" ending. The ending, it turns out, is depressing and horrifying. Winston's final proclamation that "I love big brother," moments before his death, sent chills down my spine. He resisted the party's influence for so long, even enduring torture, just to ultimately succumb.

Taking a step back, it would not have mattered either way whether or not he was still a rebel. Either way he dies and life moves on. But what a great decision from Orwell, after letting us peek into Winston's mind the whole time, to give us this one last thought- to really leave an impression.

I think the only reason I didn't remember the ending is that I must have skimmed the cliffnotes for class!

What were my takeaways?
- The importance of free speech, and of free expression
- The danger of groupthink
- The beauty and bittersweetness of love