Nineteen Eighty-Four
by George Orwell
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Book Reviews of Nineteen Eighty-Four
Book Review: IF YOU THINK '1984' GLORIFIES THAT YEAR, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot count the number of times I was asked, "What's so special about the year 1984?" while I was reading the book the title of which randomly forsees that particular year. That question scared me, because this novel is so important. Beyond that, I was floored that some people had not at least heard of "1984" (which was first published in 1949). That is not a criticism of those who are guilty of this, but rather an indication of my incredulity, because the impact had on our culture by Orwell's genius, manifested in "1984", cannot be overstated. As another reviewer here noted, it is indeed true that many people reference George Orwell's prescient masterpiece, oftentimes without realizing what it is that influenced their thought or even having actually read the book.
"1984" animates the collective paranoia that stems from our well-founded wariness of contemporary society's ever-encroaching governmental systems, as well as the potential dangers introduced to them by the evolution of modern technology.
Furthermore, it reminds those paying attention that we must guard our psyches and intellects against the mad intentions of those who forget, or disregard, the truth that to conform for conformity's sake alone is to surrender rights to humanity's defining gift.
I would suggest that you don't pick "1984" as a casual beach-read. It is riveting, but heavy and thick with relevance to current events. Don't read it after having a few drinks either, especially when you come to the book-within-a-book portion.
Book Review: This was the reality on the other side of the Iron Curtain
Summary: 5 Stars
Orwell has masterminded the collection of terminology resources that today we are aware of, but at times, I guess, without knowing their origin. Although modern terms like "hatecrime" and "hatespeech" in the book do not come to the surface, I am sure now, that they are implicit product of the heritage left by Orwell.
The true value of a book is in the aftertaste, which urges one to think about human instincts and their function. And at the end, it is almost impossible to object to Orwell's argument, that the strongest human instinct is self-preservation and only then comes the drive to procreate.
Winston Smith lives in the society founded upon hatred, he believes in the proles, and rightly so. Regardless of the fact, that two, and in some cases, even three generations of the Eastern Europeans experienced a number of Orwell's revelations to become reality (and to become truth!), they managed to change the course of events. In certain circles, though, the collapse of the Soviet Union is still being regarded as the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century. As long as such a view will exist, Orwell's messages will not loose their urgency.
Finally, I remember that those who studied the law in the former Soviet Union were taught that every crime is two-sided, having its subjective and objective side. While fully understanding what is being meant by first, there was some difficulty, though, among the students, in embracing the later. This novel is like a textbook to understand that concept.
Book Review: 1984
Summary: 5 Stars
George Orwell published a book entitled 1984. The novel made a huge impact and made a statement about humanity. He wrote the book in 1949, envisioning the future of man. He believed that there would be dictatorship by the government by 1984.
The novel's main character is Winston Smith. He doubts the system or the government, in which is Big Brother that's controls Oceania, one of the three super states. Winston is older than most citizens of the super state. He slightly remembers life before Big Brother. Big Brother would prefer people not to know the past. Though his memories are indistinct, he thinks that life must have been better before Big Brother's leadership. As Winston's rebellion progresses, he meets Julia, who is also against Big Brother. Winston and Julia become lovers and confess their rebelliousness to O'Brien, who is believed to be a member of a rebel group called Brotherhood. Then comes the story's climax. The reader will be introduced to what's behind 1984. George Orwell brings suspense in the story when he shows us what is really behind Big Brother. Big Brother uses mental manipulation to influence its citizens. This book reminds us of political tragedies, how the government can control everything. George Orwell reminds us of what went wrong, what can go wrong, and what will go wrong when the government becomes all-powerful. I believe that this book opened my mind to politics. 1984 is one of the best books written. Orwell writes about reality and bases its contents to the real world.
Book Review: my first Orwell, and I'm already hooked
Summary: 5 Stars
I think this is my favorite novel about a dystopia. So far, I have read "We", "A Handmaid's Tale", "Brave New World", "Anthem", and "A Clockwork Orange", and though I have thoroughly enjoyed quite a few of the novels that I've listed, 1984 is my absolute favorite. How is it different? The main character, Winston, if not entirely likable, is very relatable. What I like most about him is that he doesn't assume to be anything or know anything, but rather, he feels instinctively that something is wrong with how the world is set up. He is not especially intelligent (although he's not exactly stupid either) or strong-willed or moral or handsome. And as if to emphasize Winston's relatable mediocrity, Orwell gave him an exceedingly boring office job! In some novels about dystopias, the protagonist can be overly heroic (as in Anthem) or tragic (as in a Handmaid's Tale), and thus more admirable but also a lot less relatable.
Another thing that is different . . . this book gives you different perspectives. Orwell's theme of government control over language is pretty common in this genre, but because he took his thesis a little farther than merely saying that government control is bad, the book is an interesting read. He even gets a little into metaphysics. As a reader, you also get the perspectives of different characters in the book, and thus, the perspectives of both the government and of rebels. Often, books in this genre can be very straight-foward, but 1984, with its many twists, is a very worthwhile read.
Book Review: 1984
Summary: 4 Stars
1984 was written by George Orwell and takes place in a dystopia in England. This book was written close to Orwell's death and most people say it's one of his best he ever written.
This book takes the view of a low level party worker named Wiston who doesn't like the view of the party. But he can't do anything about it because of the suppression of speach and thought and if you said or think about anything that is against the party or "Big Brother" the thought police comes in and brings you to the Ministry of Love (a prison like compound).
Winston has a dairy ,which was bought illegally, that has all his thought crimes. As the story progresses Winston job was to "change history" by rewriting it and finds some things that don't add up. He desides to look into this more and finds out he was right. He then goes looking for the "Brotherhood" ,a revolutionary organization, and finds out that one of high up party members are a part of the "Brotherhood".
Now that's all I will tell you about the story but I will tell that this is a clasic. This will make everyone think about there government diiferently. It's one of the books that everyone needs to read because it forces you to expand your views on everything. But there is one downside to this book, it doesn't make sense unless you know your hostory and governmental systems.
I give this book a 4 out of 5.