I have been meaning to read 1984 for a while, so when summer rolled around and I finally had the time to do so, I was excited and ready to dive in.
The beginning of the book quickly had me hooked. 1984’s dystopian future is fascinating and unique, presenting concepts that are both thrilling to read about and haunting to think about. And, not to mention … these opening lines are nothing short of impactful and strangely relatable.
Unfortunately, the excitement of the book’s beginning quickly died out. I soon found myself bored. Perhaps I felt this way simply because I am one for more fast-paced, action-packed novels. Nevertheless, the plot move slowly, dragging on unnecessarily. It became irritating after a while; I was waiting for something to happen, for the plot to gain momentum, for a climax to emerge.
About halfway through the book, things got moving (at least, relative to the previous pace). At this point, however, it was a little too late. Waiting for the book to get to this point had been like watching paint dry. I was already bored, and it was difficult for me to gain interest again.
At more than one point while reading 1984, I felt compelled to stop reading. But, alas, I detest not finishing books — it irks me and leaves me feeling unfulfilled. In the end, I had to purchases the 1984 audio book and listened to it during the course of a long car ride. That was the only way I could have ever finished the book. If I had to describe 1984 in one word, it would be “gray.”
All that being said, I do understand that not every book is intended to be bright and cheery and action-packed. I also know that 1984 is a societally significant novel. The ideas that it exposes about the role of the government and its encroachment on civilian life are crucial warnings for society to be aware of.
Still, 1984‘s flat plot trumped its important message in defining my experience with the book. Perhaps this is a reflection of my distaste for slow novels. Perhaps this is a reflection of the fact that 1984 is meant to be solemn. But I will end with this: solemn or not, a book should not be boring.