Lewis answers “Why do people rate this book so high? ...”

Wilma asked this question about 1984:

Why do people rate this book so high? Surely I am missing something.

Lewis You are missing something - thankfully for you, you're missing the impotent rage at the Soviet Union which is the only reason this book was ever liked…moreYou are missing something - thankfully for you, you're missing the impotent rage at the Soviet Union which is the only reason this book was ever liked by anyone. It was a Cold War weapon; 1984 was supposed to teach us all the the USSR was evil. That's why people act like it's an "important" or "noble" book that we should all absorb its "message". Notice nobody ever says it's actually a good or enjoyable book. Because it isn't, it's dire. It wouldn't pass a first draft stage on a creative writing course; there's no feeling in it. But it shouts at Stalin, and that's important to some people. (less)

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