1984 and Julia
Hi, Lovely Readers!
I wanted to start a thread to discuss a new book out by Sandra Newman, entitled “Julia.” This version of the story “1984” by George Orwell was approved by Orwell’s estate and is written from the point of view of the female character in “1984,” Julia.
I was fascinated enough in my first reading of “1984” sometime in high school before 1984. Then a friend referred to “1984” in a conversation, and I found myself reading it again, from cover to cover, though online this time, in the free version, which I have linked here. https://www.george-orwell.org/1984
Then, I read some reviews of “Julia.” Most of them were complimentary, some less so. Here is one review published in “The Guardian.” https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/18/julia-by-sandra-newman-review-a-new-nineteen-eighty-four
Here’s a review from “NYTimes.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/24/books/review/julia-sandra-newman.html
Here’s a review from “The Washington Post.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2023/10/24/julia-1984-novel-sandra-newman/
I decided to start a thread here in Hobby Land for people who might be interested in reading this, or who have read it, to comment on themes within the book.
Since I haven’t read the book myself yet, (my copy is due to arrive today) I will ask that if you post something about “Julia” and it’s a spoiler, to place a Spoiler Alert prior to something that will give away a significant plotline, though I expect since it’s a parallel re-telling from another viewpoint, there will be some points of congruence.
Thanks ever!
Love ♡ and Courage 🦁, Rose 🌹
UPDATE: Just got my copy yesterday but haven’t opened the box. What if they sent the wrong book? I’ll find out shortly!
One other request: I know it's very tempting to ask Artificial Intelligence to write opinions for us, because they are so friendly and easy to use, and they generally spell things correctly, even though they are prone, at times, to hallucinations. And, they are "free."
For the sake of our human essence, I will ask you, even if it's difficult for you, to write using your own words and using your own thoughts from your own brains. I know this might open us up to all sorts of "thoughts" and perhaps even "controversies," and some spelling snafus (something I like to call a "kitten"), and even maybe some "tangles," but what better place for it than a thread for a book discussion?
Plus, we're a tolerant bunch, or are we? Oh, and let's continue to follow guidelines on respect and so on. You know, the "be nice" part. Thanks ever!
Update: I've got the copy, and yes, they did send the correct one, but Life has got in the way and I haven't even had the chance to have a read. But I will, Dear Readers, I promise I will. And I will comment, yes, I will! Once I get the chance to read! Take care, dear Readers and I hope some of you will join me!
Love and Courage, Rose
I dove in the other day, but couldn't get "into" the story too much. To me, I like that the point of view is from a woman. From there, I also liked the richness of the character depictions and the portrayal of what society is like from Julia's perspective. That's all I have for now. Maybe I'll be inspired to pick it up again and have a read. I don't know.
Hi, it's me again. I've got a bit further into the book enough so I can see parallels to the earlier version. I do have to say I like the perspective from a woman's perspective (Julia) and, after skipping about, I do like that she is a Survivor. Winston, after reading this version, seems like such a wimp to me, not to label, but they really gave it up quickly.
Julia is more of a Survivor and Warrior from what I can see.
I even hesitated to post about this book now after reading more of it because there are themes of: sexuality, torture, domination, that might be triggering or upsetting or disturbing to some people reading. So, take warnings to heed! If you are upset/triggered by some of this content, please don't read this one. It's like "1984" but on steroids. My opinion.
I like it.
I had trouble "getting in" at first, but now that I'm "in" I am enjoying the read.
I wonder what your thoughts are.
@CalmRosebud
I officially finished reading "Julia," and I decided I liked it, more than "1984" in fact. I have many thoughts buzzing around in my brain, but the right now the quote comes to mind: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," by George Santayana, a Spanish-American philosopher born in 1863.
I may or may not write more later, as there seems to be little or no engagement in this thread.