Read these 2 books few weeks back, 1984 and Animal Farm, both by Orwell and here's my review and comments on them.
1984 is very well written, the first few chapters reads very much like a modern-day North Korea account. It's hard to believe that this was actually written more than 60 years ago! I wonder how Orwell himself would have been astonished at how accurate a picture he is able to paint about the communist regime.
There is very good flow in the text, the book gives a very good feel as you read it, it is not too fast-paced for you to want to take a break while reading, neither is it too slow-paced that makes you want to give up reading the book. The book is split into 3 big blocks, each taking almost equal portion of the book, which is a good accomplishment, Orwell does not, like many contemporary authors rush through the ending giving a huge sense of dissatisfaction as you draw to a close.
The first part deals with the relative joy and dissatisfaction of Winston, the main character of the story, and his romance with Julia.
The second part mainly deals with his imprisonment and betrayal. (Sorry this is really a short statement on a big block, but to go anymore will spoil the whole story. Read it yourself!)
The third part deals with his re-education and re-assimilation back into his society.
Highly recommended for those who are interested in North Korean or communist life, or any history major who just wants to have a vivd picture of life under the communist regime.
Ratings: 5/5
If you're interested, you can get it
here, and
here (free international shipping),
Kindle.
Animal Farm is a somewhat related to 1984, but a lot shorter and maybe a more macro view of things as compared to 1984. This is a big compliments to 1984 and in my opinion, should be read first, and then follow by 1984.
Animal Farm really is the story of how communist overthrown the existing government and is finally ruled by the animals. Not long after, the animals began to see that this rule is not as fair as what they once thought were or what they had envisioned, would it be better to be ruled by humans? Or by the animals?
Orwell, does in my opinion, gives an inaccurate picture of the communist regime in the sense that the animals had a lack of technology while building their windmill, however, as Orwell has to write it in a convincing manner from the animal's perspective, I think this lack is not a huge drawback.
This book is one that you can finish within 2 hours and would definitely give you a joy as you finished it, well written and crafted. Excellent piece of literary.
Ratings: 4.5/5
If you're interested, you can get it
here, and
here (free international shipping),
KindleYou can get both copies in one book too,
here and
here (free international shipping),
Kindle
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