1984

 

 

Author: George Orwell

Format: Audiobook, movie, graphic novel

Citation: Orwell, G. (1984). 1984. San Diego: Harcourt Brace    Jovanovich.

Orwell explores a life he imagines for the future, in a book which was first published in 1949.

Winston Smith is a low ranked member of the government, led by ‘big brother’ who keeps a watch on its citizens via screens everywhere. Even thoughts are monitored, to ensure that everyone supports the views of the Party. Winston’s job is to rewrite articles on the history of Oceania, as an employee at the Ministry of Truth, so it reflects the ideology of its society. He decides to rebel by writing his thoughts down in a diary which he knows can lead to the death penalty. Personal thoughts straying from the Party’s views are not permissible.

The tone of the story is bleak and unsettling. The storyline is character-driven with the use of a gritty writing style.

Book reviews: link to Library Thing Reviews

Book trailer: 1984 Book Trailer - Bing video