1984 - George Orwell
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1984 - George Orwell > Reviews > 1984 - undoubtably a classic!

Fiction - Modern Fiction - ISBN: 014118776X

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1984 - undoubtably a classic!
A review by law_bore19 on 1984 - George Orwell
September 17th, 2003


Author's product rating:   1984 - George Orwell - rated by law_bore19

Would you listen to it again? Absolutely 
Story Outstanding 
Characters Satisfactory 
Listenability Once you start it, you won't be able to switch it off! 
How does it compare to similar audio books? Not applicable 
How does it compare to audio works by the same author? Very good 

Advantages: unique, re - readable, political
Disadvantages: The lucid detail of Winston's torture  * SCARY !  !  *

Recommend to potential buyers: yes 

Full review
The cover of 1984 is instantly appealing; it reflects the central concept of the book - that the whole of society is being simultaneously watched by "Big brother".
1984 is a book that i picked up and read in the space of two days - it was a definite page turner; Orwell manages to create a reality that in a way emulates some concepts of the near future; an example being the use of a "telescreen". For 1948, Orwell has created a book that has easily stood the test of time; it is undoubtably a classic.
The book is set in Orwell's perception of the future - in 1984 (he wrote the book in 1948 and reversed the numbers, which is why it is called 1984). In his vision, the world is divided into 3 superstates - Eurasia, Eastasia and Oceania; these three states are so similar that neither state can take over another.
The state that the main character, Winston, lives in is Oceania; he is under the totalitarian regime of the infamous big brother. As the book progresses we learn of Winston's distain for Big brother, his dislike for his life and his belief that life in the past was far different.
He believes that big brother is changing everything about their lives, even controlling their love lives! i believe Winston drew the line when his ex wife had asked him to do their "duty to the party" i.e. to have sex!! - this was as a result of the conditioning in schools.
The book become emotional when Winston believes he is being followed by a girl whom he believes is part of the "thought police" he describes at that moment how he wanted to murder her (as his own life was at risk) ; however, ironically, Julia the girl, becomes Winston's love interest and the two have an affair meeting in a secret location. At this point the characters come to life - Orwell masterfully creates the characters thought processes, for example, the notion that the couple should only meet once in a certain location every two months and that both of them should take different routes to the secret location.
This book made me appreciate how easy my relationship and life as a whole is; yet at the same time in the back of my mind was my trip in the summer to Gatwick airport (because it had millions of cameras!)are we being watched?!!!. I guess you could say this book has made me more paranoid!!!
The book is well written, and is a rollarcoaster ride in emotions - Winston's romance, his hatred for the system. This book is one that will have you thinking about its concepts for quite sometime......... Enjoy this book, !

George Orwell is also famous for his book "Animal farm" (i havent read yet though), when i have read his other books i will list them here in order of my faves! 

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