REVIEW: "Julia" by Sandra Newman. "Julia" is set in the same universe as George Orwell's classic "1984," and offers a unique perspective by following the character Julia, who was Winston Smith's lover in the original dystopian novel.
Sandra Newman
400 pages
October 2023
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
"Julia" serves as a compelling expansion of Orwell's universe, offering readers a deeper insight into the character of Julia and her experiences in a dystopian world. This aspect intrigued me and was the initial reason for my interest in the book.
However, as I delved into "Julia," I was taken aback by the significant focus on sexual content, which I didn't recall being as prominent in "1984." It's possible that I either forgot or overlooked this aspect when I read "1984" in 8th grade. Revisiting books from one's youth can often lead to surprising revelations about the content. As someone who identifies as asexual and fluctuates between being sex-favorable, sex-neutral, and sex-repulsed, I found the explicit sexual content in "Julia" challenging to read.
The uneven pacing of the book also posed a challenge for me. The first half of "Julia" felt somewhat inconsistent, with certain parts holding my interest while others felt less engaging. This fluctuation in narrative quality added to my overall experience of the book.
Regrettably, my discomfort with the sexual content ultimately led to me discontinuing my reading at around 45% of the book. I wonder if re-reading "1984" prior to "Julia" would have provided a more solid foundation for appreciating the story and characters in their entirety.
My review is a reflection of my unique perspective and sensitivities. If you're a reader who isn't bothered by explicit sexual content, "Julia" might still be worth a chance, as it offers an exploration of a familiar dystopian world from a fresh angle. However, I felt that the explicit sexual focus detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Happy Reading!
Bobbi
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