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Summary: Read This
Review:
Short as it is, this work represents all that Orwell had been leading to all his life. It's a satire and a fable -- and in very simple terms outlines the dangers of tyranny, the corruption of ideals. Orwell uses the Communist revolution as a template: and points out how, in the end, 'some animals are more equal than others' -- that is, the essential greediness of us all. In darker, more subtle terms, it suggests, too, that we are, in essense, animals ourselves -- we cannot escape our dark primal nature. And we need to always be aware and vigilant of this. It's a chilling, sad, illuminating and very effective masterpiece. Everytime I read it, it affects me more! Other recommended Amazon picks: Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, The Losers Club by Richard Perez
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Summary: Animal Farm: Worth Reading
Review: Animal Farm could quite possibly be one of the best satires ever written. Published in 1945, Orwell's purpose in writing this book was the abolition of totalitarianism. Through the use of allegories in his writing portraying a farm where the animals rebel, Orwell is able to make logical arguments against the political tyranny happening during his time in Russia. Orwell's work is a very exciting piece of literature. Orwell's genius was able to create a children's book that had a much deeper message than those common to children's books. Orwell uses action to keep his readers involved. Action is constantly happening throughout the book. Every page turn reveals an unexpected twist. Without the unexpected surprises, this book would not be the legend that it is today. My favorite character in Animal Farm is Boxer. Boxer, a horse on the farm, is a very interesting character. While not very smart, Boxer is the workhorse (no pun intended) of the operation. His motto, "I will work harder," frequently inspires other animals to do their part in the operations of the farm. Boxer exhibits qualities that the other animals wish that they had. I also admire the effort and devotion that Boxer puts into his everyday tasks. I learned a lot from reading Animal Farm, especially about the history surrounding the rise of totalitarian governments. It is interesting to parallel the events that occur in the book with events that happened in the real world. From the Bolshevik Revolution to the exile of Trotsky, Orwell doesn't forget any events. The book is written very well and gives a very good lesson at the end. Orwell masterly weaves the book together in the last chapter when the animals realize that they can't tell the difference between their new rulers (the pigs) and their old ruler (Farmer Jones). They realize that they are not better off than they were before their revolution. There is only one question left in my mind. I wonder what happened to Snowball, the pig that represented Trotsky. Once he is exiled, Orwell never mentions his whereabouts definitely.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories with underlying morals. It is amazing how complexly Orwell was able to write this book. Readers will enjoy the parallels to historical events. I would recommend looking over the history of Communism before reading this book; then you will be able to appreciate the great thought that Orwell put into this book.
Although I have not read any other books by Orwell, I would definitely not hesitate to read one. I have heard great reviews of his other books, and am convinced that he is a great author. Just after reading Animal Farm, I would recommend any Orwell books to anyone. Orwell spent much thought when writing this book; don't let this go to waste. Through satires like Orwell's, we may be able to prevent other mistakes from happening in the future. This book has influenced me in more than one way. Not only have I learned about totalitarianism, but now whenever I think about slacking off I remember the words of Boxer and think, "I will work harder."
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Summary: Two Thumbs Up for Animal Farm!
Review: Animal Farm takes place on a farm in England. An old pig tells all of the farm animals that they need to revolt one day and take over control of the farm. It starts out well, the animals are all equal and work together for the common good. But the pigs slowly take over absolute control of the farm. One pig, named Napolean, becomes the farm's dictator, executing animals, rewriting history, and slowly becoming more like the humans that they overthrew in the first place. The story is modeled after that of The Soviet Union. The conflict is unfornuately, not resolved. This is because the book was written before the Soviet Union was defeated and overthrown. If the book had been written after the USSR's downfall, however, I am positive the ending would be similiar to that of the Soviet Union in 1991.
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Summary: You'll be wasting you time!
Review: George Orwell is a genious Literate and I say that with the upmost pride in my voice. George Orwell not only took a subject that at the time,it was still 1945 may I remind you,was basically attacking the Russian system of communism. Now of course Russia, then the Soviet Union or U.S.S.R., is no longer under communist rule, but at the time we were still fighting in World War 2 and Russia was an Allied Force. Well obviously publishers werent scrambling to get a book that attacked a country that was aiding them in the fight against Mousolinni,Hitler,and Hirohito. The book starts off as a symbol of the start of the Russian revolt when Major(A play off of political prophet Karl Marx)urges a revolt against the dastardly doings of Farmer Jones(A play off of Czar Nicholos 2)and point in case they listen. Days later Farmer Jones forgets to feed the animals, soon afterwards all hell breaks loose. Being led by two strong leaders Snowball(A play off of Trotsky, I think his first name was Leon)and Napoleon(A play off of Infamous, yet cruel leader Joseph Stalin)the animals decide to wage a war against the humans and overthrow their corrupt regime(The humans represent the Capitalists woh exploit the weak). May I remind you the intentions are still good here, that is untill the idea of the Windmill(Russian Industry Modernizing) comes up....At first Snowball proposes a windmill so the stalls can be lighted and have flowing water by the power of hydroelectricity, however Napolean disagrees. Sensing his power running short and the people siding with him, Napolean gets the Dogs(A play off the KBG)to chase Snowball out of the Farm. Now its just Napolean, a lone dictator with a bad mind set, so whom does he get to explain he was for the windmill after all? Squealer thats who!(The representation of the Russian Media)After squealer explains it to the ignorant animals all but a few whom understand what is happening(Particalarly a stubborn mule named Benjamin who represents the witnesses of corruption but stand by and do nothing)and to the one follower whom belives his "Friendly Dictator" is always right, I'm talking of course about Boxer(Who represents the Unskilled Labor class)whose later sold,In a very sad scene, to a glue factory by the one he belives is always right. Later on Moses the wise raven comes in and(representing the Orthodox church of the time)tells of magical Sugarcandy Mountain and its glory of ripe windfall apples and sugarcake.Twoards the end the Pigs(communist party loyalists)take total control and leave the farm in hell, worse than it was with Farmer Jones...and twoards the end of the book in a stunning final word from Mr. George Orwell..."Soon they looked from the men to the pigs, the pigs to the men, and back to the men and could not tell the difference."
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Summary: Some fables are more equal than others
Review: I first read Animal Farm two decades ago, while I was in high school. I'm sure many of you did, too. I reread it recently, and I'm convinced that this is one of those books that one should reread when one is a bit older. Orwell's fable of farm animals' revolution sold out by their pig leaders is simultaneously short, fun, shocking, and engaging. It's also pithy and wonderfully written. Plotwise, you just have to crack a wry smile at the historical parallels that Orwell creates when his characters begin spouting their Marxist philosophies and begin to plot a revolution. Other plot points & themes are timeless -- the supply shortages, summary executions, propaganda, political assassinations, and single-candidate elections in "Animal Farm" can be seen in many dictatorships, from Stalin's to Saddam's. Overall, I highly recommend rereading this book, especially if you were a teenager the last time you read it.
Rating: 
Summary: Lousy
Review: I have been forced to read this book 3 times for various school assignments and although Animal Farm is considered a classic, I find I like it less and less every time I read it. Yes there is deep metaphors and symbolism but the plot and characters are so bizarre that the story is hard to follow or enjoy.
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Summary: This isn't just about Soviet Communism, it is about USA.
Review: I read this book from the American perspective, and I think this perspective too, fits perfectly.
The colonists overthrow Britian (corrupt and evil enslaving power), we establish our utopia. Our utopia is a Constitutional Republic.
At first, everthign works great. We have freedom, we have respect for rights, and we have an honest money and trade system. All people are equals, and each is free to produce and live an abundant life.
But, slowly, over time, the principles (the commandments) are abused. The treachery is hidden from public view. The pigs (congressmen) treat themselves to extravagant spending. The executive wages war and rallies support for its stupidity initiatives (space flight, war, socialism). Congress, in alliance with the money/banking powers, establishes fradudlent paper money, illegal and fradulent banking systems, and our economy is reduced to a unproductive series of accounting gimmicks. When times get bad, we go to war.
Now we are left with a system of government far worse that that of the original England. We embrace socialism with a eagerness not even shown in Russia.
We THINK we're free, we think we have justice, we think we have open and free elections, we think we have a real economy. All lies, all told to keep up the morale of the working class for the benefit of the elite. The business of the government in America has been to (unconstitutionally) wage war, and to lie to the most people in a believable way. The government views it's function as a propaganda mnachine, to keep people believign in the fantasy, for the benefit of the fradulent financial elite. All while the underlying "doctrine" is ignored. All while the judiciary looks the other way regarding the "commandments", the
constitution. Today, judges view their role as social engineers (for the greater good), not as their oath would imply- keepers and defenders of the "commandments".
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Summary: An interesting book
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It's not as funny as it seems it should be, but there is humor. It makes you think about the way animals really do think of us.
Animal Farm is a book about a group of English farm animals who take over the farm they live on. They want freedom for all animals, but one of the pig leaders gets rid of the other and the cycle of cruelty starts all over again. The animals don't realize that they are being treated worse than ever and they believe whatever they're told.
It's a good book and it made me think about how certain people (or animals in this case) can manipulate and turn the power over to themselves.
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Summary: A Superb Social-Political Satire!
Review: Like the many truths about human failings expressed in the ancient Greek and Roman fables, numerous subtle meanings and fundamental truths can be superbly revealed with wit and humor in fable-like tales, such as Animal Farm. This book gives an excellent example of the good and bad aspects of human nature within the social-political context and yet it is set within the Animal Farm fairytale with its marvelous life-like characters. Animal Farm is a must-read for all who love and appreciate the art of satirical writing. My only regret is that there are so few such books newly written these days. So, perhaps you can imagine my pleasure at finding one, which I would sincerely like to recommend in addition to Animal Farm. It describes a fantastic, contemporary science-fantasy adventure tale set in the animal world --- that of an imaginary honeybee society --- to expose our own human ecological short-comings. It is entitled, ACCUSED BY FACET-EYES by C.B.DON. I really enjoyed the wit and humor in this candid eco-social satire as much as Animal Farm. "Accused By Facet-Eyes" presents an all important eco-message and warning in much the same way that the outstanding Animal Farm classic gives its social-political message, and so I would place both these books in the same literary category of social-criticism. Do give both books a try, if you enjoy a thought-provoking read!
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Summary: funniest ive ever read
Review: omg
after reading charlotte's web!!!! READ IT AFTER CHARLOTTE'S WEB!!
it's bloody hilarious
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