1984 Book Review : A Powerful Dystopian Classic

What is 1984 by George Orwell about?

George Orwell creates a world where Big Brother is always watching, and even thinking is a crime. This powerful dystopian novel explores what it means to be a human in a society built on fear.

Discover our Review and Summary of 1984 by George Orwell

If there was a place where all your opinions, hopes and desires were taken away and replaced with one superior government, would you take a chance and fight for freedom, or shy away?

Rule 1: Big Brother is watching

Rule 2: War is Peace

Rule 3: Freedom is slavery

In Oceania, there is a place where capitalism was abolished and capitalists were wiped out. Law and justice were implemented. The whole city was covered with hidden cameras through which Big Brother was always watching and monitoring not just facial expressions, but also heartbeats. Citizens were encouraged to prioritise work over family. New speak was created for conversations to be straightforward and to the point, with no emotions involved. On the outskirts was the town of the Proles, where working-class citizens resided – with much more lenience than the higher class.

Winston’s everyday life follows the same schedule – work, eat, sleep, repeat. There is no time for emotions or personal needs. Simply do your part and serve the community. Winston works in the Ministry of Truth and acts a perfect citizen, but his mind is always wandering with unsanctioned thoughts.

These thoughts lead him to the Proles to buy a diary in which he can express his opinions and beliefs. This was a brave act of defiance, as the Thought Police could imprison people for having even an ounce of doubt about the Party, and they could catch him at any second.

So, a diary is begun, but Winston battles secrets within his thoughts of young love. When Winston begins to feel attracted to a girl in his office, everything changes, and all of a sudden, he finds a comrade in a stranger. Together, they discover they are on the same side. Soon, they form a plan, and there is hope that the truth will take hold. But will their daring scheme work, and will they help to overtake the government?

 There could only be one question: will they succeed?

My favourite character is Winston because of his mindset as well as his personality -his thoughts on the way Oceania is run, and the fact that he still has his own opinion, not being brainwashed by the government.

My favourite part of this book was when Winston imagines his childhood. It is interesting to read about what the times before the Great War would have been like, as well as imagining everything in his childhood and understanding his story.

Is 1984 Worth Reading?

Overall, I really loved reading this book. 1984 gave me insight that nothing else could. It talks about the idea of a community with no emotions and suppression. While reading 1984, a lot of emotions were aroused in me. I felt the hardship of living in a type of world where you cannot have own opinions. It seemed to me that Big Brother can sense anything, even in your personal space, as is able to reveal your thoughts and desires.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 and recommend it to anyone who loves sci-fi and is in for a meaningful read. Though 1984 has a few inappropriate references (for children up to 12 years of age) and descriptions, it’s not anything massive overall – just something to know before starting the read.

If you liked 1984, try these other thought-provoking reads:

Animal Farm: A powerful political satire that uses a simple farm story to show how power can lead to corruption and inequality

Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick reveals the hidden reality of North Korean life through the voices of six defectors.

The Giver | Gathering Blue | Messenger | Son: A thought-provoking dystopian series. Each book has a different main character and takes place in different communities, but they are all connected across the series.

The Hunger Games: A powerful story of survival in a Dystopian government controlled districts.

Sunrise on the Reaping: A gripping prequel (Haymitch’s story, 50th Hunger Games) in the Hunger Games Series.

The Book Thief: An emotional story from a child’s perspective in a controlled/harsh society.