We have to thank Orwell for his introduction of Room 101 and Big Brother, note the sarcastic tone as Big Brother reaches its 100th or so series. However, a sincere thanks is given to Orwell as 1984 is a thought-provoking book that certainly puts me against the idea of ID cards!
The book follows the life of Winston Smith, a worker of the Ministry of Truth in London, as his facade starts to slowly crack. People disappear, historical events are recreated, and children are just another Big Brother weapon!
Having heard a great amount about the book but never reading it, I was very excited about reading this as my 1st date. The book was relatively easy to read and it soon dragged me into the life of Winston Smith. Orwell portrays Smith's feelings and emotions to such an extent that you will start to worry whenever a CCTV camera is seen ...not a story for the paranoid!
However, the occasional chapter where it was felt Orwell was trying to communicate his personal political views, was complicated to follow and may require a couple of reads. Therefore, it is by the strength of the overall story and a need to know what happens, that gets the reader through these chapters. Although do note that if you have a more political mind and understand more than this fictional story, then these chapters may be the most enjoyable to yourself.
It must be noted that this book deserves the praise it recieves, 'written before its time' and 'fitting for today'. Obviously, it is an extreme version of totalitarian rule but the small details Orwell adds really does make the reader think about what is being implemented by the government on todays society; why can we not protest in Westminster square or how many of our actions can be traced? Will the newspaper be listening to your phone calls and will you know?
When Winston reaches his final resolve, it is not the hoped ending of a wonderful life, but any other ending would void the book of poignancy. As such, after much thought and initial disappointment, this ending is truely fitting and really does make you wonder if 2 +2 = 5.
Overall, the book was generally an easy, enjoyable read, and could be appreciated by most on an artificial level. However, to truely give this book it's full praise then the reader needs to have a little bit of an idea about context and politics. I would read the book again and I couldn't put it down at times, but there were occasions when I couldn't wait for a chapter to end and struggled to get through it.
Rating: 3.5/5
The book follows the life of Winston Smith, a worker of the Ministry of Truth in London, as his facade starts to slowly crack. People disappear, historical events are recreated, and children are just another Big Brother weapon!
Having heard a great amount about the book but never reading it, I was very excited about reading this as my 1st date. The book was relatively easy to read and it soon dragged me into the life of Winston Smith. Orwell portrays Smith's feelings and emotions to such an extent that you will start to worry whenever a CCTV camera is seen ...not a story for the paranoid!
However, the occasional chapter where it was felt Orwell was trying to communicate his personal political views, was complicated to follow and may require a couple of reads. Therefore, it is by the strength of the overall story and a need to know what happens, that gets the reader through these chapters. Although do note that if you have a more political mind and understand more than this fictional story, then these chapters may be the most enjoyable to yourself.
It must be noted that this book deserves the praise it recieves, 'written before its time' and 'fitting for today'. Obviously, it is an extreme version of totalitarian rule but the small details Orwell adds really does make the reader think about what is being implemented by the government on todays society; why can we not protest in Westminster square or how many of our actions can be traced? Will the newspaper be listening to your phone calls and will you know?
When Winston reaches his final resolve, it is not the hoped ending of a wonderful life, but any other ending would void the book of poignancy. As such, after much thought and initial disappointment, this ending is truely fitting and really does make you wonder if 2 +2 = 5.
Overall, the book was generally an easy, enjoyable read, and could be appreciated by most on an artificial level. However, to truely give this book it's full praise then the reader needs to have a little bit of an idea about context and politics. I would read the book again and I couldn't put it down at times, but there were occasions when I couldn't wait for a chapter to end and struggled to get through it.
Rating: 3.5/5
If 1984 takes you fancy then I would suggest Animal Farm by George Orwell aswell.
There is also a very good film of the book in which the trailer is below. If you enjoy this film then I would strongly suggest V for Vendetta - an absolutely brilliant film!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKa8VE7ILI - V for Vendetta
Verity Black
