Frightening when we see how this is what some plan for us
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More relevant than ever over 50 years after it was written.It is more frightening than any Steven King novel because this is where we are heading if we are not vigilant. Too many on the left are still hellbent in plunging us into a worldwide Orwellian nightmare. Just observe their obsessive Orwellism, where aggressors are defenders and defenders are aggressors, where justice is injustice and injustice is justice, where war is peace and peace is war, where freedom fighters are terrorists and terrorists are freedom fighters, and with its total lack of interest in facts and truth. Despite the chilling socio-political warning the book still shows us an endearingly poignant portrayal of humanity and love struggling to survive in totalitarian society which will not stop at anything to stamp out all that is good and compassionate. Next time you hear anyone refer to anything disparagingly as 'borgeois' think of the alternative to love,honour,fair play and all the noble things that some brand 'bourgeois' and therefore plan to destroy
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Enjoyed it again
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This is definitely my favourite dystopian novel. Not saying that the likes of Fahrenheit 451 and Brave New World are not good, but I just enjoy this book a lot more. I have read it about 3 or 4 times since the late 80s, and it seems that every time I pick up the book I notice elements in it that are so like current day events. Obviously not to the extreme as portrayed in the novel, but it's still amazing how these ring true. I don't think there is much more I can add to the countless reviews. So I'll just say that I highly recommend this literary masterpiece.
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A deep insight into the rule of a fascist state
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A powerful book, that eerily depicts the direction the world is going where truth is shunted and lies are promoted by all the mainstream media. The three slogans of the Party as described in book is very familiar with what we hear from our leaders in these times:
War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength
Orwell paints a picture of how this fascist totalitarian state is controlled by control surveillance, the new language of Newspeak and the three main ministries that are:
"Ministry of Peace", which concerns itself with war
"The Ministry of Truth", which takes care of news, entertainment, education etc. in short translated as the place of propaganda
"The Mihistry of Love", which is concerned with law and order and according to Orwell the most frighening one.
It is truly a must read book as the rise of fascism is happening. Can also highly recommend seeing the movie called "V for Vendetta", as it is also set in a fascist environment, that closely resembles the one George Orwell depicts in this book.
Can recommend the book "Political Ponerology" to understand how a society becomes a fascist state.
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Magnificent and terrifying
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No other book has a had such an impact upon me. I first read it in 1968 and have done so several times since. My favourite novel and a lesson for us all.
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"Best books are those that tell you what you know already"
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It is very difficult to review a book that means so much to several generations. To me, the words of Winston Smith himself, summarise it perfectly: "The best books... are those that tell you what you know already".
We know from history that some of the most terrible things happen because the majority lets them happen, looks on in silence and does nothing, naively believing that they are safe and it will never happen to them. One small step to curb our freedom, which may seem perfectly reasonable at the time and even for our own good, may unfold into a nightmare if no one speaks out, engrossed in their daily drudgery, football and lottery. To me personally this is the most important message of "1984", Orwell's timeless legacy to us. It is up to every one of us to make sure in our lifetime that his prophecy never comes true.
1984 is a truly painful book to read, projecting the worst sense of hopelessness and dread that I have ever read on paper. I think it is one of the most important and compelling books ever written. Without exaggeration, it will change your life. It forces you to look at yourself and the world around you and think, think, think.
For a different perspective on the eternal theme of an individual versus state, I also highly recommend "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess, "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro and "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
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