March 17, 2025
1984
By George Orwell
If you’re on the literary scene, then chances are you’ve heard of 1984. Written by George Orwell in 1949, 1984 has stood the test of time as an absolute classic, warning readers against totalitarianism and extreme government control. This is accomplished through The Party, a political group that has successfully brainwashed the citizens of Oceania into worshipping Big Brother, the nation’s all-seeing dictator. The consequences of this brainwashing are severe. The media is polluted with propaganda. History is rewritten to favor The Party. Citizens are kept under 24-hour surveillance. Even their thoughts are policed by the aptly named Thought Police, who possess the authority to arrest a citizen for harboring negative thoughts about The Party. Society is a living nightmare, and all hints of freedom have been extinguished. But unbeknownst to them, a faint ray of hope yet remains in their bleak, uninspired world.
This hope manifests itself in the form of protagonist Winston Smith. Despite working for The Party, Winston harbors a great deal of hate toward them. He is a man who, against all odds, desires freedom from their oppressive control, wishing to spread his wings and fly as an individual. However, this line of thinking is prone to lead him down a dangerous path, one that he may never be able to return from once he walks it.
So, if this is a story that you think would interest you, don’t hesitate to check it out. 1984 is an easily accessible novel and can be purchased on Amazon for a reasonable price, in either physical or digital format. Alternatively, if you don’t want to buy the book, you can always contact your local library as well. If you’re anything like me, and love a story that challenges the very foundations of society, then I have no doubt that you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did!