1984

[Eldo]

I just finished reading 1984 by George Orwell a couple of weeks ago, and it must be the best book I've ever read. I thought it would be a dry read but it proved to be rich, deep, original and engaging. A true eternal novel. It really gave me the incentive to read more from Orwell. Has anybody read it and what did you think? What did you think of the ending?

[Foxbat]

I loved this book. The ending, for me, left me feeling somewhat philosophical. It was brutal but it felt real. I think the whole point about this kind of totalitarian state is the sleight of hand that goes with it - by constantly diverting attention and blame to Eurasia or Eastasia, then the people are blind to the fact that they are actually being subjugated. Put one man in a position to resist and he doesn't stand a chance.

At least that's what I got out of it

[Eldo]

One of my favourite chapters is when Winston visits the shop owned by Mr Charrington, I think his name is, and looks around the shop and decides to buy that small piece of coral. It was wonderful how such a tiny object could create so much pleasure and fascination in Winston.

[I, Brian]

The first time I read the book it had a much stronger effect - the cynical political manipulation of the masses was revelatory, especially in the context of the book - and I listed it as one of my two favourite books.

Reading it approx. 10 years on I found the overall point flawed, though the book was still very enjoyable, and still very recommended.

[Rich]

One of the best books I've ever read by far. In my top ten.

The film was not all that bad either, I think it's out on DVD. I've only got the video.

[Brys]

It was a great novel, but not my favourite of the dystopian novels. I felt that there could have been more character development in it and the issues (of totalitarian government etc) could have been explored a bit further. Good, but I preferred Farenheit 451 (something that I think is far more likely to come about).

[Foxbat]

Good, but I preferred Farenheit 451 (something that I think is far more likely to come about).

Ah yes, one of my favourite Bradbury novels. I thought both books had different merits. I found 1984 to be gritty and unforgiving to its characters whereas Farenheit (I felt) dealt with the situation in a far more eloquent manner.

Maybe we should start a thread....what book would you be?

[ravenus]

My first introduction to this book was through Michael Radford's wonderful commemorative telefilm adaptation which absorbed and scared me (fantastic performances by John Hurt as Winston and Richard Burton as O' Brien) . I then read the book to find a genuinely affecting narrative. Winston is a very personable protagonist and even though you have inkling of the darkness of his fate, there is still that sense of shock and tragedy when he actually meets with it. The ending was wonderful...it gave the impression of an even more brutal and frightening establishment than previously denoted.

Anyway if you want to read more Orwell there is little you can go wrong with. I've read almost all his novels, except Clergyman's daughter and all of them are nothing short of excellent and many truly transcendental.

Like I had in another thread I heartily recommend:
Coming up for air
Keep the apsidistra flying
Burmese days

His essay collection, Inside the Whale, is also highly recommended...or you could hunt down a 4-volume set of his complete essays and letters. Orwell's a genius and I haven't so far read anything by him that doesn't radiate with intelligence and passion. Like one of my friends said to me he could write about a topic you had no interest in and make you feel interested in what he had to say about it.

[GOLLUM]

If we're going to start listing some of Orwell's best known works let's not forget the satirical classic Animal Farm....

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by GOLLUM

If we're going to start listing some of Orwell's best known works let's not forget the satirical classic Animal Farm....

Hmm I actually refrain from mentioning AF because many people begin and end their reading of Orwell with that, and believe that they've plumbed the depths of his writing and philosophy. it's overrated in the sense that he has written far better books which are nowhere as frequently discussed.

[GOLLUM]

I tend to agree with you about it not being his best work but still fair to say its significant enough to mention....