1984
Recently a friend suggested that I read 1984 by George Orwell .
It was a good suggestion.
I really liked the book.. i suggest it to anyone who is interested in politics, philosophy, the future, or a combination of the three. (Orwell also wrote Animal Farm) The book is a warning, a vivid picture of a future that could/may/shouldn’t happen. The year 1984 for has long since come and past, but it doesn’t make the book any less relevant or potent.
The story follows a man named Winston Smith, who, seemingly unlike his peers, has a sense of unrest about the current state of affairs.. and the past state of affairs. You see, in this “future” world, the province of Oceania (one of three countries dominating the world) the past is susceptible to change. The past is able to change but one is not allowed to remember the truth, in the privacy of your own room you are watched and listened to at all hours via telescreen, chocolate is rationed, razors are scarce, “proles”, the working class, are illiterate slaves to society, individualistic thinking is greatly discouraged, and if “thoughtcrime” is committed you may disappear, from life and from the past.
Its not a pleasant book really..but its stupendously interesting.
I don’t want to ruin the plot…but i highly, highly recommend the book. Just don’t expect to be happy-go lucky afterwards. You need a little while to recover.