the last page...at last

Some books are so well written that they call out for completion with little to no regard that your life has other things in it beyond the book. And then there is the type of book which despite how much you can appreciate what is being said, it takes greater effort to feel the desire to pick it up and continue the read. For me, the latter is the case.

Upon completion of 1984, as I turned the last page, it felt like a bullet that finally entered my skull and finally ended my journey.

It is not that it is poorly written, it has an interesting style neither outstanding or underwhelming. It is not that I could not grasp any concepts within it. It is not that it ends on a rather depressing key, which I actually applaud in the wake of most everything having a happy ending these days. Rather it is an older book with interesting thoughts and as such people have long since borrowed from it. Yes, I know this may seem odd as a reason to not really care about a book, but let me explain.

I have experienced works on film such as Equilibrium before I read 1984, which obviously has taken many concepts from 1984 and added many new ones as well and while it is not a perfect film it was far more fun as an experience. Now Equilibrium is not the best example of why I was unimpressed with 1984, but I wanted to allow where I am coming from. Before finishing the novel I experienced both film and graphic novel versions of V for Vendetta. Now obviously the main vision of Alan Moore as seen in graphic novel form is amazing and again borrows themes or ideas from 1984, however both the film and the graphic novel manage to create a far more involving story, well developed characters, and emotional scenery.

V for Vendetta is the best example of taking an idea that someone else had, however may not have brought about in the best way, and utilize the points that are important in a far superior vision in a story with more value, intrigue, and emotional involvement. Clearly these two works are not identical by any means, yet have a very similar message and it is in the similarities that I found contempt for 1984 as it could have been so much more.

Perhaps if I came to the novel before I saw a greater work it would have seemed better, much like when I read The Chronicles of Narnia AFTER reading The Lord of the Rings...again it is not that Narnia is not good, but it is definitely not Lord of the Rings.

I am sure many will not agree with my stance, but that is life and after all this is not a blog about someone else's opinions, rants and unfortunate attempts at many things...it is my own.

Now go live your life before the bullet catches up with you...