George Orwell’s 1984

Read Time: 1 Minute

This isn’t going to be dreadfully long review as I suspect most people have either read the original or have at least a passing understanding of 1984 by George Orwell by this stage. The most current incarnation of the classic 1984 is Audible’s immersive experience.

While keeping the spirit of the novel but not a word-for-word recitation, this is still a novel that can bring chills to the spine. I’m a little on the fence with whether or not I am a fan of this version.

On one hand, great story. On the other… some of the sound effects were cheesy and, if I’m being honest, I could have lived without the torture sequence being quite so visceral. It painted a picture, that’s for sure.

The narration and production were otherwise excellent, besides some of the effects and music choices. I get it was 1984 but I don’t think that means needing synthesiser music.

I had a bit of difficult time separating the character of O’Brien, voiced by Andrew Scott, from the character Scott has also played of Moriarty on Sherlock. Perhaps it’s his mannerisms or just that he plays a calm psychopathic so well, but I had trouble not thinking it was the Sherlock villain.

Overall, it was a good experience, and free on Audible plus so didn’t cost me anything. I don’t think I’ll revisit this version. If I revisit 1984 at all, I suspect it’ll be the full version.

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