Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 275
 Power, knowledge and discourse. August 11, 2010
P Alderman
Unlike Orwell's Animal Farm, 1984 is not a simple read, and the way in which the writer has chosen to convey his message can be quite complex and subtle to unpick. This is a book for all of those who feel they don't fit in, that they are an outsider in an insane world, controlled by megalomaniacs. This is a book for all those who feel that strong presence of being brainwashed to believe `2+2=5' in their everyday existence. To get the most out of this book it is imperative to understand what Orwell is trying to say, and I feel a great deal has been misunderstood about what this might be. Unfortunately, I feel 1984 has been a victim of being brought down to its lowest denominator, `Big Brother', and as such the subtleties that Orwell conveys have been lost, especially if what is meant by `Big Brother' is assumed, and not gathered from the words of this book. Orwell is not writing about a fictional scenario, he is writing about what he sees as a truthful matter of fact and conveying what he sees of the world around him through placing it in a fictional setting, therefore, to talk about plot and character are really quite unimportant, or at least secondary, in my opinion, as to why you would read this book-it is not a piece of entertainment as a serious investigation into the state of social experience; this is a piece of social philosophy more than it is a fictional story. I would have to say, this is not the best `story' I have ever read, but the ideas that Orwell conveys in this book, to me, are on par with such philosophical works as Foucault's concepts on discourse. Certainly an important book and one I would recommend to anyone interested in exploring ideas around power, knowledge and discourse.
1984 August 4, 2010
CORA. (Nottinghamshire)
What a truly fantastic and gripping book. No review could possibly do this book justice.
1984 had me constantly guessing what was going to happen next. I was expecting the unexpected but was always way off the mark and presented with a surprise. I don't believe that anybody could have predicted the ending. I was heartbroken!!
This book provokes so many thoughts and feelings. I started seeing things around me or reading things in the paper and thinking "That's like in 1984!"
I would recommend this book to absolutely everybody.
Outstanding and timeless August 1, 2010
Christian (UK)
This book is often quoted or indeed misquoted as the direction that our society has taken in recent years. The book itself stands as a harrowing tale of attempts to survive in a society that bears as much resemblance to a Fascist society as it does a Communist one.
I loved the first part and the second part and hated the third part. But this is not hatred for the story but rather for the masterful way that part of the book unfolded. WIthout that part this book would not truely sit as a classic tale in my judgement.
A True Classic July 31, 2010
Hannah
I ordered this book because I am trying to read classics before I do A Level Literature. It had good reviews so I thought I would try it. I loved it. I took it on holiday with me (I know odd choice for a holiday but I didn't know what it was about) and was utterly engrossed to the point where I was really unsociable. The idea is like nothing I have ever read before and was a creative perception of what the future would be like. It was easy to read because the storyline and characters were so absorbing that you cannot put it down. Also, I liked the ending. It's nice to have a story that doesn't have the expected happy ending. It makes it more realistic and believable and I really felt like I was living in that society alongside Winston. I love reading, and haven't read many classics but this has convinced me to read more. A true masterpiece.
George Orwell, 1984 July 27, 2010
Dan (UK)
Nineteen Eighty-Four is George Orwell's depiction of the life of outer party member, Winston Smith. Winston, who's job at the 'Ministry of Truth' consists of rectifying 'factually incorrect' information, sets about trying to comprehend and come to terms with his emerging doubt and mistrust in a party which demands total loyalty.
However for those under the rule of the party, to think for yourself, to question the leadership of the party is a crime. As Winston comes to realise there is no escaping the arduous torture and eventual execution that faces all thought criminals. It is only a matter of time before the thought police catch up with you and subject you to room 101.
George Orwell's extraordinary grasp of the human psyche and the power of fear, provide a sensational piece of literary craftsmanship which more than deserves the seemingly un-faltering respect and admiration people have both for the author and for the book itself.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 275
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