Bentley Ferraina

The influence had on future sci fi like Dune and Star Wars is undeniable, but this read like a radio play. Nearly every scene in every story is just two guys talking in a room. The first two stories overcome the stylistic limitations, but the back half of is rough — despite the compelling (and very 1950s) ideas.

The last chapter is my Roman Empire.

I taught 1984 for a few years, and I always found some new trenchant critique of society with each fresh reading and year of teaching. It's kind of a failed novel; the plot is bad, and the characters are pretty bad. However, it functions marvelously as a series of essays disguised as a novel. The middle third does drag a little. The plot and the characters exist to justify world-building that critiques a new "mode of oppression" with every chapter: tribalism and weaponized hate; propaganda and censorship; manipulation and erasure of truth; etc.

It's far from perfect. It can be wooden and inaccessible, but can required reading be, like, four stars?

Kind of a try-hard-edgy, Zack Snyder/Joss Whedon vibe here that is a little unappetizing.

Most people in my book club did not enjoy reading this book. I'm not sure I did either, but it sticks to the ribs. It's trying to be a Great American Novel. I don't think it succeeds, but it's definitely a Very Good American Novel. The ending is bonkers.

Also: in a post-Trump world, I'd love to go back and read the paragraphs about the "indigenous American berserk." I bet that captured a real "the cruelty is the point" energy.