1984 is a must-read classic that I'd been putting off reading for too long! I must admit, this book sat on my shelf many years before I decided to give it a go and I'm not really sure why.I think sometimes I find 'classics' a bit of a struggle to read and think I may have been intimidated by it!
1984 tells the story of Winston Smith. An ordinary member of the community, born in a post nuclear world where all freedoms have been removed by the privileged elite of the Inner Party and individuality is a thing of the past. Unfortunately for Winston, he seeks more from his life and begins to think for himself. A behaviour that is not well received in Oceania. Winston must keep this a secret, else risk the Party having to take action to prevent it.
So it seems that my initial intimidation was unfounded and this was an easy-to-read and enjoyable novel. I also realised how many of the phrases from the book are used in day-to-day life now.
The subject matter is alarmingly relevant, even in this day an age when one might think we have all the freedom in the world. I recently watched a documentary on North Korea and the similarities were staggering. Orwell really makes you think. How would I react if I lived in this dystopian world?
Would I accept it and conform?
Or would I feel the need for more?
For books?
For love?
For art?
For freedom?
And my own thoughts!
And my own thoughts!
