Nineteen Eighty-four
(George Orwell)
George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four" is something of a prophecy. First published in 1949, it is a satirical look at totalitarianism and the balance of power in society. These were topical issues at the time. It was just after the Second World War, when governmental situations were in turmoil and when the potentially destructive effect of dictatorship was evident. In such a time of political unrest, it was difficult to see a way forward. "Nineteen Eighty-Four" was a glimpse at what the future may hold in store. Little did Orwell know how true his words would ring even over half a century later. Even today, the hard hitting implications of the book have not lost their effect over the passing of time. It is in fact maybe even more valid in today's society, though at the time the author could not have foreseen this happening. Many of the concepts in the book have become a part of modern reality and a lot of the words Orwell uses are well recognised in ordinary daily speech. Terms such as "big brother", "room 101" and "thought police" are familiar to all of us. However it is not only the words with which we can identify, but also their significance. "Nineteen Eighty-Four" describes the ultimate 'nanny state'. The hero of the story is Winston Smith, struggling against this dictatorial regime. This struggle is well known to many in the world today. The question the book raises is whether an individual can be successful in staging a revolution or whether he will inevitably be crushed by the system. I feel that this book is an absolutely essential read for everybody. No matter what the background or nationality of the reader, I am sure that there is nobody who could fail to identify with some of the ideas and concepts contained in this book, which as well as being a political commentary, is also an entertaining story.
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