1984 is not really about surveillance

Everyone brings up the cameras. For me the frightening part is the language. They are taking words away so that certain thoughts become impossible, and the people doing it believe they're tidying up.

I also forgot how much of it is simply about being tired and hungry and having bad gin. Winston isn't a hero, he's a worn-out office worker with a sore body. That's what makes the last section so horrible to read. It's not a fun book, but I don't think it's meant to be.