1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four

Denser than I remembered. I can't believe they have sophomores in high school reading this. Even if it's a slow read, it indeed is a brilliant book. However, it's also, in my opinion, one of the most depressing books I've ever read. As well as one of the most frightening (the Thought Police section -- need I say more?) If you get through the section where you're reading "the book," 1984...more

Denser than I remembered. I can't believe they have sophomores in high school reading this. Even if it's a slow read, it indeed is a brilliant book. However, it's also, in my opinion, one of the most depressing books I've ever read. As well as one of the most frightening (the Thought Police section -- need I say more?) If you get through the section where you're reading "the book," 1984 will haunt you.   hide

The surprise ending was what struck me the most...it was totally unexpected. Orwell's subtle commentary on communism was well done, and it was a compelling and thought-provoking plot. Very applicable connections to reality as well, especially if you consider the time period in which the book was written, where communism was seen by the west as a viable threat.

it is facinating how close we are to this vision...

Very interesting and rather scary, esp. in light of events and views since this was written. The "Writing on the Wall...", so to speak.Sometimes difficult to wade through but highly recommended. If you 've ever wondered 'What's up with this world' - you just might find a few answers here... and a few nightmares.

An amazing book which works on many different levels, with parts which resonate more today than when I first read it 20 years ago. "The Book" inside the book is one of the most compelling parts of the novel. When describing the descent into totalitarianism, society started using '...detention without trial...torture..'. In just the last week the Queen described measures to increase the period...more

An amazing book which works on many different levels, with parts which resonate more today than when I first read it 20 years ago. "The Book" inside the book is one of the most compelling parts of the novel. When describing the descent into totalitarianism, society started using '...detention without trial...torture..'. In just the last week the Queen described measures to increase the period of detention without trial from 28 to 56 days and the candidate for Attorney General of the USA refused to describe waterboarding as torture. The description of Winston and Julia's love affair and it's ultimate futility is very profound.   hide

Quem nunca leu este livro deve lê-lo o quanto antes...uma visão clara e ampla de uma sociedade totalitárista que serve o Grande Irmão!!!Maravilhosamente escrito e totalmente atual!

Fascist dystopia. A classic for a reason.

I've read this book several times over the last few years and it never ceases to amaze me. Orwell introduces us to such incredibly alien concepts with almost effortless ease. Concepts such as 'group-think' and painting an image of technology as a leash, instead of simply a tool. All of these and more are woven out of pure language. Everyone should read this book.

Everyone should read . . . more than once.