1984

Rating:
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.

Rating:
Summary: Great book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I recomend this book to anybody. A warning that must not be ignored

Rating:
Summary: Amazingly horrifying
Review: This book is one of the markers of it's time. It is amazingly horrifying in it's portrayl of our future. There is so much to be learned and feared from this book that it can give you nightmares. This is one of the best books I have ever read and chewed on in discussion. The ideas and theories - the concept of "Big Brother" definitely gives me the feeling that this is what a Nazi rule would have been like.

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Summary: Excellent view of the future from the eyes of the biased
Review: George Orwell's graphic depiction of how he views the future is pulled tightly into the bindings of 1984. He is prebiased due to a short affiliation with Communism and the aftermath throws him into a world of pessimism. 1984 allows you to look into the mind of a pessimist. Many feel the book is also a large mockery of revolution. This book is great to anyone interested in Communism, or just a good book. Also good books by Orwell are Homage to Catalonia, Animal Farm, and the Road to Wigan Pier.

Rating:
Summary: An captivating story of what we could do to ourselves
Review: 1984 by George Orwell is a captivating book about what could happen if a government was given too much power. What makes the story all the more interesting is the fact that it is not impossible for such a government to grow in a society that would let it. The story of Winston Smith is just the background for a chilling description of a dictatorship gone too far. The relationship between Winston and Julia tries to show that human nature does not allow a person to love someone else more than themselves. The book overall shows that all the faults we have now can someday turn us into the society in 1984.

Rating:
Summary: Shouldn't it go like this?
Review: Of course, all the comments are correct. Nineteen Eighty-Four is a marvelous book, but shouldn't one always begin a sentence with a word and not a number? Should not we say: "Nineteen Eighty-Four is a book by..." instead of "1984 is a book by..."?

Rating:
Summary: Perhaps the best book of its genre
Review: Among the vast titles in the dystopia genre, 1984 stands out as one of the most exceptional. In an amazing combination of followable story line and wonderfully hideous prediction of the future (well, technically, the past), George Orwell created an important commentary on the state of human nature now, and what it has the ability to become. Right from the beginning, one dives into the London of Winston Smith, and follows his daily drudgery. Through his experiences and thoughts, the reader is sucked into the individual's fight for individuality in the face of the most extreme facist oppression. Throught systems of constant war, thought control, and the censorship and redefinitions of history, the illusive Big Brother is able to control what people hear, see, and think. The world created in 1984 can chill your soul, but the struggle of Winston Smith will reaffirm your belief in humanity.

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Summary: Orwell smelled the New World Odor
Review: I loved this book, and couldn't put it down. It should be required reading if it is not already. What I find so intriguing is how did Orwell have such vision? I know writers have unequalled ability but to me Orwell's abilities were almost shocking! He was a definitely a man out of time, I have to say. I'm reading another great book now. I picked up Mind Bomb by John Mayer at Xlibris.com, and it's making me lose sleep as well. Thanks [e-mail] for recommending it in your review. I am now getting another whiff of World O[dor] :-) --Henry

Rating:
Summary: Possibly the best book ever written
Review: George Orwell is a master of prose and 1984 is quite possilby the most real, eye-opening book that has ever been put on paper. Even today, 60 years later, it is still frighteningly true-to-life.