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Summary: One of the greatest 20th Century novels.
Review: Breathtaking, in one word. Compellingly written, with a chilling plotline which is familiar to virtually all: a terrifying vision of an authoritarian future. It doesn't matter that it didn't happen, or that the settings are stylised: the real undertows of emotion and concept are played out in your head. It may have drawn inspiration from contempary communism, but the true commentary is far deeper - freedom, compromised in any system, and the appearance of freedom. The beginning is monochrome (dull, as some have referred to it) because Orwell was crafting some of the finest textural novel-writing ever - the contrasts with Winston's violent mental rebellion, the freedom of his reckless affair and the dark, futile scenes in Minilov are there for a reason. The ending may be 'depressing' but it is also one of the most powerful and affecting conclusions devised. The courage to end this way is telling of Orwell's uncompromising artistic stance, and his deeper intentions behind the novel. Three things really stand out. Firstly, the interesting and intriguing conceptual work expertly weaved into the plotline. Orwell used both satire and philosophy to emphasise a single variable - control - in his fictional world. It's a gritty, naturalist way of working; rather than through elaborate symbolism, and Orwell's journalistic style shines through. Secondly, his portrayal of this world. Although repeated readings have bought out subtler tones eg.the proles, newspeak, my first reading was dominated by the overwhelmingly convincing tone of observation and everyday slavery. The opening section builds up to a great atmospheric crescendo. Finally, although I mention a lack of symbolism, 1984 stands as a symbol itself for all the great struggles of the individual. Within its pages are independence against control, love against adversity, the vivid against the mundane, freedom against propoganda and expression against conformity - perhaps even life versus death. (see the attitude of the Party towards death, both in regards to others and its own continued existence). In displaying Winston's will waged against fate and society, Orwell has created one of the great political fables, and a supremely human novel.
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Summary: Frighteningly real!
Review: Orwell creates in writing for us, a world that we may, in fact, create for ourselves. Through his genious words and the underlying truth of it all, Orwell makes Oceana real. Almost as though you expect to see it on a map, when, thankfully, it won't be there. The book is a work of genious and should be read by every person remotley concerned with the future of the human race. Very highly recomended!!
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Summary: An excellent perception of life, and a sign of things tocome
Review: This book is the prequel to the soon to be released "2001", by Joel Watson. 2001 Is an exceptional book, detailing life after the Y2K bug. Population numbers have plummetted, leaving the survivors to re build all known darkness, and swear to never make the same mistakes. If you ever read only one book, "2001" must surely be it.
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Summary: one of the most fascinating books upon the future
Review: George Orwell's precient usage of potent imagery and insight have created one of the greatest books in the 20th century upon man's tragic destiny. Similiar to Huxley's view, the world of the future, even though set in the past, serves to remind us that not only we are the creators of our destiny, but the victims of it as well. Orwell blends a rich texture of events and circumstances in his character Winston providing the reader with not only a character to apathize with, but also one to admire. 1984 is a great and moving work which is well worth reading.
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Summary: A very good book.
Review: George Orwell's book shows what could happen in any society and any government when collectivism and oneness are valued above any other idea. Orwell tries to warn his readers into not letting go of the self for the well-being of society. This book is a must for everone at least once.
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Summary: A redundant book of philosophy and vericose vains
Review: While embarking on this "classic," don't expect to find yourself absorbed in a magnificant tale. 1984 is a redundant novel with unnecessary tangents and pages of contradicting philosophy. ...and must we really keep reading in full detail the horror and disgust of Winston's vericose veins?!
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Summary: A book that deserves thought
Review: When I try to think of my reaction to this book, it goes beyond enthusiam. In fact, at first, I was speachless after reading the last sentence; the build-up was so intense that I actually thought that I was reading a historical account of the human experience. For those of you who haven't read the afterword by Erich Fromm, I highly recommend you do. He provides a much needed explanation for Orwell. This book offers a very important vision, one that needs due evaluation. If you read this account of the future, you must read Huxley's Brave New World, as he offers an alternative.
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Summary: One wonders...
Review: I first read this book about 5 years ago ( being 9 years old !! ) and at the time I didn't understand it well, considering its a book based on life experiences but after it I felt sad and a little scared ( of O'Brien ). Now I'm older ( and re-read the book ) I think different of the book. I find it ironic that the bad reviews here tend to have the effect "it never happened and its unrealistic" because they don't seem to think of the effect some things have on them. Personally, I think its double-standards to MAKE people read this since they have the freedom not to. This book is brilliant. O'Brien is probably the scariest person created by an author, and in the end when Winston traces 2+2=5 in the table you see the fraility of the human spirit. You can see many parrells to today in many of the events in the book ( people disappear in Latin America everyday ). I think this is A LOT better than Animal Farm. Also, for those out there who gave this 3 stars or less, 1984 is NOT insulting communism. You can see that it represents other systems other than communism more. You can see where you would fit in ( I would most probably be Syme ) and where you would turn out. And the best thing about this is that the more you discover about life, the more you discover in this book. I am no way near understanding ALL points in 1984 since I am only 14. My ending note would be - READ, that is if you dare... You'll be trapped into a new realm for life.
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Summary: People miss the point
Review: People who see this book as merely an attack on the farce that was Russian communism are missing the real point. 1984 is a warning about trends that can easily devlop in any political system, try the one we got here in the USA where we wage wars aganst virtually helpless nations in the name of 'humanitarianism'. (read: economic interests, yes kids, Vietnam taught the State Department to fear organized anti-war sentiment, which is why we need these elaborate and totally bogus rationalizations) Orwell always belived in social progress, he considered himself a socialist. 1984 was not meant to deny socialism (meaning a system that promotes soical equality) but to warn us of some prevalent inhumane political trends, among other things. (if you think socialism means absolute equality, you need to actually read some political theory)
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Summary: The power of expressing ideas.
Review: I've been doing a whole lot of reading since the end of school and 1984 by George Orwell is definitely the best book. 1984 is a classic I reckon, but it's as compelling a the best science fiction by Asimov or Crichton. I really enjoyed it. It's kind of disturbing at parts. I mean the way he accuses society in general, about how this society is sickly, and how all it does is separate people and suppress natural instincts. The best part of the whole book is the Vocabulary part. how the government was reducing the whole dictionary, eliminating words. It was amazing to realize what power words have. With words one can express his/her thoughts, that's why the government was abolishing words, to stop anything against the "orthodoxy" of the state. If you liked this book you may as well want to read Animal Farm by him, a satire of communism. Well enjoy. If you want to discuss this feel free to email.
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