1984

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Summary: One of the Best Books I Have Ever Read
Review: The book shows the extent to which civilization can go to. While it's pretty scary and shows a gloomy foreshadowing to life, I enjoyed the storyline and the imaginative world that George Orwell imagined.

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Summary: Other reading:
Review: Other books that examine fictional fascist states include Jack London's "Iron Heel" (1908), which looks at plutocratic, monopolistic capitalism as the evil regime, and Nabakov's "Bend Sinister" (1947), which examines the struggles of an intellectual in a fictional totalitarian regime. Both are fine reads, and both were published before Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four".

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Summary: A wonderful book and a horrible story
Review: Not horrible as in bad; horrible as in evil and twisted. I loved every word of this book, but I would not recommend it to very many people. People who like to play mind games would absolutley love this book, but it is definatley not for everyone , as some reviews have shown. My opinion is that it is one of the best books I have ever read!!

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Summary: A powerful consideration of totalitarian politics
Review: While this work clearly explores the effects of Big Brothers totalitarian regime upon the individual, I must agree with the comments made by a reader from Brisbane, Australia, as this is not in any way an attack upon Communist ideology. As for comments made by another (American) reader, Orwell does not set out to somehow reveal a 'secret Communist agenda' and does not attempt to portray a Socialist government. Many references made throughout the novel actually highlight his opposition to fascism and the extreme right, after the devastation of World War II. While ultimately, Orwell successfully explores the impact of complete political control by a small elitist group over a general population, his work is deliberately politically non-specific. 1984 applies to a number of regimes based upon general terror, and not directly to Communism, which in many cases has arisen, and is sustained, through popular demand.

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Summary: One of the mos thought provoking books ive ever read.
Review: Starts off slow stick with it, it gets great

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Summary: unbelievable
Review: This was by far the best book i have ever read. This book is a very chilling description of what could happen in the future if the government is not curved. Thank God this book & animal farm are required reading at our school.

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Summary: The Best Book Ever Written
Review: George Orwell's 1984 is the best book ever to be written. With frightening images of a future that is not only possible but also probable, Orwell reveals the truth about Communist governments. Images such as the ever-present Big Brother that is always watching and the thought police really hit hard. 1984 is a great book that EVERYONE should read.

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Summary: If you enjoy Orwell. . .
Review: If you enjoy Orwell, I am delighted to direct you to another "Orwellian" novel, THE LAST DAY, by Glenn Kleier. In THE LAST DAY, Kleier tackles the subject of authority in organized religion with startling "Orwellian" manner and outrageous wit and irreverence. LAST DAY is a classic, watershed novel in the manner of 1984. I found it a riveting read, and one that I greatly encourage all Orwell fans fans to experience.

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Summary: An excellent book that everyone should read!
Review: This is an excellent book that I feel everyone should read. It was written in the late 40's and gives us view of what is to come in 1984(at least dealing witht the government). There are 3 main characters in this story,Winston Smith, Julia, and O'Brien. The story is about Big Brother(Government) watching over and listening to our thoughts at all times. Winston share his emotions with Julia. Winston finally dies in the end after excepting Big Brother. I wont tell you the whole story because you'll have to read it yourself.

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Summary: It is human nature people!
Review: There are two major types of morons in this world; Those who think 1984 is science-fiction and therefore should be full of action (It has no plot they say!)and those who believe that the entire premise of the novel is unfair because it denegrates poor old misunderstood communism.

Firstly, Orwell's disturbing novel has an exceptional plot which is exquisitely crafted and gorgeously realised, it's just that most readers are too daft to comprehend it. Plot does not have to include massive progressions and a resolution which is life-affirming. Ultimately, fine plots are those which aren't obvious, which are overlooked by the lay reader who insists that reading should be as passive as the almighty television (bane of the stupid and spreader of more propaganda than any other device). Orwell's plot is in truth the major influence on this novel, followed by realistic characterisation.

Secondly, Orwell's intention is quite obviously not to denegrate the theory of communism perse. In fact he was a member of the communist party as one other reviewer has already stated. Sadly however, that reviewer insisted (Probably because he/she is in his/her late teens or early twenties and attending university where the idea of communism is at the moment quite novel to him/her.)Orwell was soured by communism and didn't understand it as American communist's did not understand the party. To expect an intelligent person to believe that Orwell was incapable of understanding communism is remarkable in it's obscene stupidity. Furthermore to suggest an Englishman was incapable of understanding a theory which was developed in his own country is proposterous (Yes. Karl Marx lived for many years and died in England where he is buried.)

While there are those who would suggest that Orwell is retaliating against communism, they are dreadfully inaccurate. Ultimately, what 1984 is about is a fear of all levels of politics and not merely communism.

1984 is not about political propaganda but the human spirit. While the fascist power's of Big Brother are a lynchpin to the novel it is the squelching of the human spirit which is the over-riding theme. It's true, of course, that Orwell is satiring the communist Russia of the time but is this actually going to be considered an attack on the ideals of communism? Essentially, Orwell's point was that political powers could not possibly bring about utopia and that the communist ideal, while exceptionally dignified in theoretical terms, was subject to human nature and misuse. It is not communism but people who brought about the world of Oceania. Communism was just the political tool used along the way.

The power in Orwell's novel can be missed by morons but never the informed reader. His vision is, today, as powerful as ever and a potent reminder of what any political system can achieve if misused, not just communism. 1984 is a study in human character and human frailty and it is only those who are disturbed by the stark truth of Orwell's vision that will not see both the power and the terror in his fictional world. Indeed the human spirit is infinitely malleable.