1984

Rating:
Summary: Learn fear
Review: It borders on ironic that so many readers of this generation quickly dismiss this book on the basis that it is "unrealistic," "unlikely to happen," or other such nonsense. Of course, a thorough scan of news and political events of the last 30 years, coupled with the almost scary leap in the capability of technology, and joined once again with the mania of Political Correctness, quickly dismisses that criticism...but I disgress.

The book itself is a dark, cynical look at a future that never was, but yet may be. Orwell probes dark corners of the mind, and weaves a future world so well and focused, it leaves you not wanting to face what you read. As the story takes it's turns, you feel not sorrow or pity, but anger at what is being allowed to happen. No, none of this is pretty...not at all.

Highly, highly recomended to all - the paranoid, the optimistic, the ignorant high-school student and the egotistic college student. Read, enjoy, fear.

Rating:
Summary: Imagine the image of a boot stamping a human face, forever..
Review: Nineteen Eighty Four offers a harrowing glimpse into the totalitarian state. Previous posters are correct that Orwell NEVER intended his novel to be an indictment against Communism. After all, Orwell himself fought against the Franco Regime during the Spanish Civil War - on the side of the Republicans AND Socialists. I would like to respond to a certain (British) poster thus: The individual reads and relates his interpretation of a novel/philosophy to the modern situation in which he/she finds him/herself. This would inevitably lead some to relate Nineteen Eight Four to a modern totalitarian society based upon the personality cult, e.g., North Korea (Kim jong Il, Our Dear Leader).

Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing
Review: This is the best book I have ever read!! Once it was in my hand it went everywhere with me, I was comopletely unable to put it down for a second and once I had finished it I had to read it again. It is one of the finest examples of 20th century literature and a must read for everyone. Orwell shows his total command for the english language and defines himself as one of the greatest writers of all time.

Rating:
Summary: The best book of this (and any other) century.
Review: Orwell's descrption of a dark future is so perceptive it is truly frightening.

The world that our hero steps into is not an evil world, it is not a fantasy description of a world where evil creatures beyond our world has taken over and forced humanity into slavery. Rather it is a world where the dark sides of the human nature has been given the chance to rule. The book holds numerous references to the horrors of stalinism and nazism as well as describing the problems with democracy (the same argument that he brilliantly describes in his previous novels and essays). Also it shows the problem of the individual within the collektive and how easily groups and structures can hold the individul hostage. I belive that this book goes beyond describing a world that was, but instead should be held up against a world that could be if we are not carefull.

I recomend this (and any other Orwell) book with every fiber in my body .

Rating:
Summary: A classic that should be read by all
Review: An excellent and horrifying view of a possible future for our world. Written in 1949, "1984" takes place in a future ruled by a rutheless and violent governemnt that watches all its citezins. The story's main character is Winston Smith, who's life is changed after buying an old journal and simply writing the words, "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" From there, paranoia turns into realised fear as everything Winston does makes him a target for the governments thought police, who are everywhere. Orwell does not hold back in his warning to the citezins of a free world of what may happen if one day we stopped watching ourselves and those who govern us. Don't take advantage of your feedom.

Rating:
Summary: IT LEFT ME IN A SLEEPLESS DAZE
Review: this is one of the greates books i have ever read it goes along with orwells great reputation of pplitical novles it left me wondering on how the human race is so week and breakable once you pass the first page you will not put it down till you finsh it

Rating:
Summary: We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness.
Review: This book has been on my shelf for years. It was required reading for many students when I was in high school in the early 1960s. My Father read it in college in the early 1950s. It's required in many courses at Universities today. And, I discovered that eighth graders were reading it in a local school just this last year! The book, contrary to the opinions of those earlier reviewers who gave it a poor rating, is still a major classic. It is not only studied in literature courses, but also in classes in political science, history, semantics, and even advertising. It is an extrapolation of the grim world predicted by Orwell if totalitarianism and the perfect police state gain true power. This is an important work to read. Abuse and manipulation of power is a timeless topic. In the world of this novel, power is the only thing that counts. [Note that there is another book that readers might be interested in. Orwell used it as a "stepping stone." The book is "We" by Yevgeny Zamiatin (or, Zamyatin) first published in 1924.] Personally, I also find the whole subject on how language is used to alter people's thoughts (and even the direction of their thoughts) is fascinating. The presentation provides considerable insight into journalism, political speeches, political correctness, and advertising. (Newspeak: "The purpose of Newspeak was not only to provide a medium of expression for the world-view and mental habits proper to devotees of Ingsoc, but to make all other modes of thought impossible.") Many of the words coined by Orwell have become quite common (for example, doublespeak, crimethink, newspeak, etc.) Winston Smith is a worker in the Ministry of Truth whose job requires him to "alter" the past by rewriting history ("who controls the past, controls the future"). In his world there is no privacy ("Big Brother" is always watching), individuals with unorthodox ideas are executed, and perpetual warfare exists between three global powers (who keep the war going to keep their populations controlled). The Thought Police attempt to control people's minds by what they see, hear, and experience. When Winston falls in love (a crime) with Julia, the Party tries to destroy this "crimethink." Smith's "reeducation" destroys his individuality and spirituality. The "place where there is no darkness" is not the light of Truth. It is the light in the torture room in the Ministry of Love.

Rating:
Summary: THE TALKING IS HERE.
Review: THIS BOOK GOES STRAIGHT FOR THE THROAT OF COMMUNISM. I LOVED THIS BOOK. it moved and enspired me. DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER!!! DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER!!! DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER!!! DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER!!! FREEDOM IN ITS PUREST FORM DEMANDS INEQUALITY...AND THATS THE WAY THINGS SHOULD BE. ORWELL UNDERSTOOD IT PERFECTLY.

Rating:
Summary: Good book.
Review: This is a good book, it just brings bad memories since the point in my life when I had to read it for my English class is one of those bad times. I really wouldn't mind if I never see nor hear of this book for all of eternity from this day forth because the mere thought of it is kind of depressing. But all emotion aside and inhibitions up, the book itself is quite good.

Rating:
Summary: IT WAS COMPLICATED,BUT VERY COMPELLING
Review: 1984 WAS THE BEST BOOK THAT I HAVE EVER READ. I WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYONE AT SOME POINT TO READ THIS BOOK. ORWELL'S THOUGHTS OF THE FUTURE WERE VERY REAL AND SOMEWHAT FRIGHTENING. IT WAS A COMPLICATED BOOK TO READ, WITH SO MUCH COMING AT YOU AT ONCE. OFTEN I FOUND MYSELF READING PARTS OF THE BOOK OVER AGAIN AND FINDING SOMETHING THT I HAD MISSED OR FORGOTTEN. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE BOOK WAS PLAYING WITH MY MIND.