The New Scientist Book Club has been reading Sandra Newman’s Julia, which is a retelling of George Orwell’s iconic Nineteen Eighty-Four through the eyes of Julia Worthing, Ministry of Truth mechanic and lover of Winston Smith. Chosen by Orwell’s estate to write this book, Newman explores systems of totalitarianism, oppression and state control over women’s bodies in the novel. This week, our sci-fi columnist Sally Adee got to catch up with the novelist to discuss the problematic characterisation of Orwell’s Julia, the reality of constant surveillance and the power of ordinary conversations.
Julia is the latest pick for the New Scientist Book Club, which you can sign up for here.
Topics: