Animal Farm Book Review: A powerful political satire

What is Animal Farm by George Orwell about?

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a powerful political satire that uses a simple farm story to show how power can lead to corruption and inequality. It criticises real political events and leaders, especially the Russian Revolution and rise of dictatorship.

Discover our Review and Summary of Animal Farm by George Orwell

“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”

Here at Manor Farm, Mr. Jones owns all the animals – ducks, geese, chickens, horses, sheep, donkeys, cows, crows, dogs, goats, cats, pigs and boars. Most of the animals go about their own stalls when Jones’s lights are turned out, but one night an urgent meeting is called by an Old Major (an intelligent pig).

During the meeting, Old Major shares a rebellious dream of a place where there are no men, and all animals are equal. However, straight after his powerful speech, Old Major collapses and dies.

Although still devastated by his unexpected death, when the time comes, the animals – with determination – rebel and lead Jones out of the farm.

The celebrations take place all night, and by morning the animals are excited for what comes next. Manor Farm is now renamed Animal Farm, and the news spreads far and wide. The Seven Commandments are created against humans:

1. Anyone who goes on two legs is an enemy.
2. Anyone who goes on four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill another animal.
7. All animals are equal.

Life without humans is great for animals, but soon they realize that they cannot get everything they need for survival. It becomes apparent that electricity is needed. Snowball (a loyal pig) comes up with the idea of a windmill. However, Napoleon (a powerful boar) opposes it, and this argument confuses the animals. After long debates, Snowball’s idea is chosen, and they decide to build a windmill. At the same time, humans prepare to take over the farm again, so the battle begins. The animals win, but Snowball is lost in the forest in the commotion and never seen again.

Napoleon claims that Snowball stole his windmill ideas and is a traitor. This is when Napoleon becomes the leader of the farm. Immediately the piglets and dogs are brought under his control and trained. However, as time passes, Napoleon and the pigs begin to break the commandments and manipulate the other animals by changing the rules over time.

Will the animals realise that this is not true freedom, or will they continue to live under the rule of a dangerous boar forever?

My favourite character is Clover (a nice horse) because of her kindness. She always put her faith in the Old Major and not in Napoleon or any of his servants.

My favourite part of the book is when the animals first take over Manor Farm and begin building the windmill, because they work together and manage to build their first model.

Is Animal Farm Worth Reading?

I felt the book was very relatable and witty. Animal characters made the context interesting for children and was a really engaging way to share the satire on political drama in ways which is not only for adults but also for children to enjoy.

Overall, this book was great to read. Animal Farm is based on the leaders of the Soviet Union and their power struggles. It explores control and hierarchy, combined with humour, which ties the story together very well.

I rate this book 5/5 and recommend it to anyone who enjoys humour and political satire. 

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

1984: A powerful dystopian novel that explores what it means to be a human in a society built on fear.

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.