Honestly, I struggled through 1984, but I was only a child when I read the book. Recently, however, I was reading parts of 1984 online and found it readable... I was tearing through it. I do recall tearing through Animal Farm, no problems.
I think my problem with fiction, particularly sci-fi or fantasy is being able to connect to the characters. When it is hard to remember who is who and all the names seem the same, it’s not going to be comprehended. Tolkien for me was torturous... just from the set of character names.
Try reading some of Orwell’s biographical books. Down and Out in Paris and London is fascinating.