Orwell’s 1984 now comes with ‘trigger warning’

George Orwell’s estate has been accused of attempting to censor 1984 by adding a “trigger warning” preface to the 75th anniversary edition of the dystopian novel.

The new introductory essay describes the novel’s protagonist Winston Smith as “problematic” and warns modern readers may find his views on women “despicable”.

Critics claim the preface, written by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, an American novelist, and included in the 75th anniversary edition published in the US last year, risks undermining the work’s warning against state control of thought.

In 1984, citizens of the superstate Oceania are punished for subversive thoughts by the Thought Police.

Now, in a real-world twist, the estate that oversees Orwell’s literary legacy stands accused of ideological policing.

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