1984

Rating:
Summary: 1984
Review: Orwell's futuristic 1984 was a pleasure to read. The detailed symbolism of the antique paper weight crashing onto floor as policemen bombarded in to arrest Winston and Julia. The paper weight symbolizes the end of Winston and Julia's private and secure existence, which allow them to be safe with each other. They found refuge in the small apartment where they could be themselves without "Big Brother" watching their every move, it's ironic the government was still able to scrutinize every moment of their lives. I enjoyed reading this novel. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Orwell.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent piece of literature. Very thought provoking.
Review: George Orwell's classic "1984" is thought proviking and has not lost any relevance since the collapse of the Soviet Union. When the book was written, people were just learning about the pros and cons of Communism (I'm not going to make any political statements in this review.) Arguably, the book reached its prime in the cold war era, but it still as relevant as Orwell's other essays such as "Shooting an Elephant", which, athough it dealt with British imperialism, is still very relevant when applied to other reigons of the world. The protagonist in this story shows the futility of rebelling against a totalitarian state when advanced to this level. I thought that the story makes a strong point even though the events in the story are not probable to occour in the near future. I personally am a big fan of negative utopias ("We" by Zamyatin is very good, don't waste your time with "Brave New World" by Huxley) because they show the human's primal desire to live and be free in a very raw manner. The policy of never creating martyrs for opposition really struck a chord within me. I have read this book at least five times and have come to appreciate it greatly. It probably is my favorite book, second only to The Brothers Karmozov.

Rating:
Summary: What a fantasically depressing book...but still fantastic
Review: This book is one of the most depressing and touching books I've read. Try to read it during the summer, then at least you can cheer yourself up if it gets to be too much for you. If you're not the sort of person who has feelings, then this won't be a problem.

Rating:
Summary: A little outdated- but does convey a point
Review: Upon reading 1984 I found myself questioning many things about different economic and social societies. When George Orwell wrote this, ideas of Communism were just beginning to become known and many people questioned Capitalism. This is greatly reflected in the book. However, the so-called hero of the book, Winston, wasnt really a hero at all. In the end, he was brainwashed and lost his sense of individual thought. This was to prove to "evils" of not having Capitalism- The biggest problem with the book was that I feel it is outdated in that it does not have as great of an impact in our society today due to the increasing rise of Capitalism and the fall of several Communist countries. It presents a very extreme idea, but not a very likely one.

Rating:
Summary: A Student's View (Village Academy)
Review: After reading the book for the first time I was inspired by the vividness and characterization, and then after reading it for the second time I enjoyed the book just as much. The most striking feature of this book is that for some countries this type of totalitarian state is not to far into the future, which left a small, but apparent truth with me. Orwell was not trying to show what life in 1984 would be, but as a projection and exaggeration of tendencies and changes over the years. It would be a shame to miss out on this book no matter what.

Rating:
Summary: It is the best political book written in history.
Review: This book is the most influential anti-Utopian novel of the twentieth century. It shows the destruction of power that government can inflict on a society. It is a novel that gives insight into modern society and embodies the nightmare of a totalitarian society. The book illustrates the idea of dehumanizing humans making them without thoughts, desires, and emotions. This book makes the reader question the power of government and wonder where our society is heading.

Rating:
Summary: perhaps even more relevant today than when it was written
Review: Having recently re-read this book at the age of 24, I found that it rang true even more so than when I initially read it as a school text aged 13. It may perhaps be the case that when I read 1984 I was less aware of the levels of surveillence in operation however, with the "advance" of technology it is certain that Big Brother is indeed watching much of what we do. With the recent launch (in the UK anyway) of interractive tv it makes one realise just how real the telescreen is. Perhaps received at the time of it's publishing as paranoid rantings, these days the terrifying predictions are one by one becoming true-once a work of futuristic fiction this book could almost be used now as an urban survival guide. A beatiful and chilling read

Rating:
Summary: It really annoys me...
Review: ...when people misinterpret 1984 as an anti-Commie book. Orwell WAS a member of the far-left earlier on in life, and 1984 is an anti-totalitarianism novel, a novel that attacks dictators and wannabe-dictators of the entire political spectrum. And it can still happen - look at the world today: censorship, both on the Internet and in the more conventional media, is becoming more popular, everyone's a fashion-enslaved brain-washed conformity-seeking sheep, and we're all continually screwed by politicians who think they know what's best for us.

Another criticism of 1984 is the downbeat ending and the essential hopelessness of it all. But the fact is, that if the world slips into a dictatorship like that in 1984 then there will be no hope. Orwell is trying to tell us that we must fight for our every freedom NOW - if we don't then we don't deserve them.

This is the greatest science fiction novel of all time (and you can't tell me it's not SF - just because it's SF doesn't mean it isn't literature).

Rating:
Summary: Life Changing, This Book Is It
Review: This was the most amazing book I have ever read. It somehow put everything I feared, and knew into words. I think Orwell is one of the greatest writers of all time. His prophetic look made me shudder and parts of the book made brought me to the point of tears. The words echo "Who controls The past, Controls the Future, Who Controls the Present, Controls the Past." Being a 9th grader and hating, and analyzing school I see this is prevelant. And to soccer girl or whoever gave this 1 star, that is merely beacuse you don't have the intellect to understand the political implications offered. Sorry, but it's true.

Rating:
Summary: Here and now
Review: A number of reviews have stated that this work is dated and irrelevant today. It would be wise to realize how this is completely opposite of the truth. Doublespeak has dominated American life, such as the Gulf War in which war meant peace, and misery truly meant happiness. Power and money rule, and it could definitely be argued that we live under a totalitarian system of control in America. Beware of power. Orwell is turning over in his grave.