2 + 2 = A Fantastic Work of Art (Nineteen Eighty-four - George Orwell)

Member Name: SmilingBuddha

Product:	Nineteen Eighty-four - George Orwell
Date:	27/06/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gripping plot, interesting predictions, intelligent political points

Disadvantages: None

Being a lover of dystopian fiction, I've had this book for a while now. Although I've only read it once I've dipped back in many times to read certain chapters and passages.

To briefly summarise the plot without giving too much away, the novel is set in a segregated society gripped by war and riddled with censorship in an imaginary future (1984, given that the book was written in 1948). We follow outer party bureaucrat Winston Smith as he evades the thought police in his search for the truth.

It is definitely worth reading this well crafted novel for such a wide variety of reasons: the gripping storyline, the satirical humour, the resonant political messages or quite simply just to know what people are talking about when they say "Orwellian" or the origin of the term Big Brother.

The (often very accurate) predictions Orwell makes about future society is in itself very interesting and it should also be noted, that despite being written in 1948 the language is not particularly difficult and fairly contemporary.

This is a book that truly deserves the impact is has created.

P.S - If you can't spare the money, your local library will no doubt have a copy.

Summary: An immensely significant book and a very deep read.