Winston remembers the moment he stole chocolate from his starving little sister—and the moment she disappeared. Jennifer calls it one of the darkest scenes in the book. Dan agrees, then spirals. Julia calls him a swine. Somewhere between the guilt and the memory, something sticks… and it might be the first time we see what Orwell means by “thoughtcrime.” Also: the proles live free, Jennifer imagines Party-run summer camps, and Robot tells a joke that really shouldn’t land—but kind of does.

Things To Listen For:

• The gut punch of Winston’s chocolate confession
• Julia’s total lack of interest in ideology
• Dan and Jennifer’s descent into moral crisis

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:

Need a break from the emotional wreckage of Orwell’s childhood flashbacks?
 Try Good News for Lefties—your daily hit of progressive wins, sharp commentary, and real hope. Hosted by Beowulf Rochlen, it’s like resistance… without the existential collapse.

Making Space with Hoda Kotb – gentle, inspiring interviews that feel like a warm reset button.

And Make It Weird – a true crime / gross science / obscure history podcast hosted by Haley Lovato and Harmony Houston. If it’s strange, they’re into it. New episodes every Wednesday.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
If you’re still with us after that chocolate story… rate and review us! It helps other scary book people find the show.

Disclaimer:
Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book 1984 by George Orwell is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues.

The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.

Topics Covered:
1984, Winston Smith, Julia, chocolate ration, memory, guilt, proles, Party indoctrination, authoritarianism, thoughtcrime, censorship, book bans, banned books