Customer Reviews

On "Nineteen Eighty-Four": Orwell and Our Future

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While I am a fan of David Brin, and also find some of the chapters within this book interesting, none of the authors really brought any new insight to the work 1984 or to George Orwell as a literary figure. The idea was to avoid scholars of Orwell's works to get new and fresh responses. But by doing so they also ended up going over all the old ground that those scholars have gone over for decades. Funny enough, scholars of 1984 would have known about all the same-old, same old issues and topics and may have tried to find something new to write about.
The chapters are on sex, law and politics. Yes, we've read and heard this all before. How about reading the old stuff and THEN trying to find a new angle? Sorry, but two stars is as much as this work is going to get.

Literature-Book Review

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, published by Penguin Books

WHAT a cleverly written, a very enticing book to read with a much unexpected twist in the end. George Orwell showcases his brilliant writing skills in this marvellous book. For those who have read Animal Farm, they should know what to expect in this brilliantly written book. This book explores the rule of totalitarianism, how the world has not come to terms with totalitarianism. This should keep you in suspense from the first chapter till the last chapter. This is not for the faint hearted, but for those who are political minded. This is a true breath taking fiction. The style is not fast paced as it entices you to read more.

George Orwell writes about a world where there is no happiness whatsoever. The book is set in 1984 in a country called Oceania. This country is ruled by Big Brother with his party known as The Party. A world where laughter is tears, where love is turned to hate. A world where there are no emotions, only misery in people's hearts. `Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime is death.' The novel tells of how you're supposed to be a supporter of Big Brother. If you have thoughts of your own, that are resistant to Big Brother's party you die.
The protagonist is Winston Smith. He has a quest of his own. His will is to go against The Party's teachings and rules. He believes that if he wants to remain sane, he should follow his own heart and mind.

In this heart moving novel George Orwell showcases his journalistic writing skills. Even if you not keen of politics but this one is surely a winner.