Animal Farm by George Orwell

Book two done! A re-read for me so much quicker than Dickens. Plus it’s under 100 pages PLUS much more straightforward text.

Does it hold up? I would absolutely recommend this to a child reader. The language is all manageable with a few stretch words. The story is compelling on the surface and also as the fable. Some middle-grade readers will have a comprehension of the historical references already and get more out of the book in that way. For some, it might open up that discussion and open their eyes and minds, for the first time understanding the power of books to do that.

DID I LIKE IT?

Yes! But - spoiler - very bleak and sad ending.

As a re-read, it was quick and fun and I loved how much I remembered (Sugarcandy Mountain!) and the payoff of the bits I was vaguely expecting (Four legs good, two legs…). I must have read this in year 7/8/9, I don’t think I did it for GCSE, but I definitely studied it at school.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT TO MATILDA TODAY?

Yes! Unabridged. Totally doable and enjoyable. Linguistically approachable and only a tiny bit of death (and some alcohol) for a content warning. Lots of cute animals!

Side note - I don’t remember how much of the book is in third person plural. Clever old Orwell (Communism reflected in the grammar… right?).

Next up: can I start and finish Kim in time to read Pride and Prejudice for Valentine’s Day…?