So this is one of those classic books that I’ve always wanted to read. I can’t say that I was blown away by this book as a classic. I enjoyed reading it but as I am not that into politics I probably didn’t understand a lot of the underlying meaning and I may be way off the mark but this is as I understand the book…
This novel is split into three main parts. The first part introduces us to Winston who is just another number in the big machine of society. Much like people are today – Sleep, work, repeat. It is set in a world where the government, a dictatorship known as Big Brother, watches your every move and regularly seems to re-write history and use propaganda to control the masses. They have something called thought police who, although it never clearly explains what it is they do, we assume have some sort of telepathic ability to know when you are thinking of anything other than conforming to your role in society.
The second part of the book is where Winston meets Julia who is also secretly rebelling against society. They start a secret romance and decide to join the revolution which is when they get in touch with a man called O’Brien.
Without wanting to give too much away, it is in the third part of the book where Winston and Julia are caught and subjected to torture for their crimes of rebelling against society. I always find with books of this stature it’s always the ending that leaves me somewhat disappointed.
There are no doubt lots of underlying meanings and comparisons that can be drawn with society in it’s current state, especially as the internet and surveillance becomes more widespread. Overall a decent read but sure there are a lot better out there for me.
Overall: 72%