2+2≠5: A 1984 Review

Wow. Two posts in a row, exactly a week apart. Commitment! Or, maybe it's just my blogging buddy's influence down at Blake Baker's Blog. Seriously, the guy manages to update his blog at least once every week or two. I am lucky to get in one or two posts a month (Maybe you should stop procrastinating, Snowie). He is a great blogger (And a great guy in real life), so everyone should check out his blog. Do it. Right Now. I dare you. 

Ah... A Book Review! Finally! I haven't done on of these in a very long time. 

1984 by George Orwell

From Wikipedia

"War is Peace.

Freedom is Slavery.

Ignorance is Strength."

Or so 1984 states. 

1984 (Sparknotes) was a very intriguing and entertaining novel, that is if you like books that really make you think. Through 1984, George Orwell sends a strong message saying that if society allows for the government to take control and unify everything and if history is allowed to be rewritten, then the future of humankind lies within the pages of 1984. This message is sent through the story of Winston Smith, a man who chooses to defy the government and society to find out why. Winston is a middle aged man living in present day London. He works for the Party, the ruling government of the time. Everywhere he goes, he is constantly being watched by the government. Any wrong reaction or emotion could make him guilty of thoughtcrime, thinking rebellious thoughts. 

In the beginning of 1984, Winston is working for the Party in the Ministry of Truth where he alters historical documents everyday. He buys a diary where he begins to write down his thoughtcrimes and wonders why the world is the way it is. He doesn't understand the government's control of history: The Party will claim that the country has always been at war with one country, not another, but Winston can remember a time when there was war in a different country. Winston meets a girl named Julia who feels the same way about the Party. They begin an affair, which they both know will only end in death by the Party. 

If I could, I would recommend 1984 to every single person. I would recommend almost every book to everyone, though. 1984 is a very deep, hard read with pages of nothing but text and very little dialogue. Still, more people need to read this book and take a good, long look at the ideas and motifs discussed in the book. It is not necessarily the story the book contains that is important, but what the reader learns from the book. 

One last thing. I have Chapter One of a story up on Figment which is ready to be read. Thanks!

Happy Writings!

~Snowie