Shawn

Some say it is a little childish. Me? I think it was absolutely brilliant, it put communism in a way that everyone could understand. Characters are brilliant, plot is brilliant, and the prose is fun. Who else loves Orwell? Hates him?

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Banzai

I personally love it. It is a satire on twentieth century politics, in the form of a children's story (well, almost). It is especially interesting when you realise that Orwell was a left-winger, and so he is criticising the stalinist method of socialism/communism, rather than the actual ideology (which is clear to see in the story, where the ideology is sound, but the pigs abuse it).

I'm also a big fan of Orwell, and yet another of those who thought that 1984 was genius. The ending in particular. But Orwell's writings are far more interesting and make more sense when you look at Orwell himself, and his life and beliefs (such as fighing on the left wing in the Spanish Civil War, as part of a POUM militia, which suffered at the hands of the USSR-backed communists).

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But when I look ahead up the white road
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Shawn

I completely agree with you. I think few writers in history have been able to put so much into so few words ever. I laughed out loud when he told of the pigs walking on hind legs. Ha. Turned right back around.

I think true communism would be nice, but that is impossible when considering man's nature.

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Banzai

Have you read 'Homage to Catalonia'? It's an account of Orwell's experiences in the Spanish Civil War. I haven't read it myself (it's on my seemingly endless 'to read' list) but I know people who have, and have said it's very good. If you're an Orwell fan, then it's probably something to check out.

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"Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you"
-"The Wasteland" by T.S. Elliot

Shawn

Actually, I'm kind of embarrassed, I've never even heard of it. Sounds good, I've been looking for something to read after I finish the Jane Marple mysteries.

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Banzai

Don't be embarassed, I hadn't heard of it either until I met a true Orwell fanatic last year

__________________
"Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you"
-"The Wasteland" by T.S. Elliot

Dexter67

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Edgewise

This was the first book I ever read that could be considered a classic. It is still one of my favorites. Brilliant symbolism, simple language, a bit of black humor superimposed on very serious historical context. If it isn't already, it should be required reading in every middle school history or english class.

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Banzai

Could you elaborate? I'm not trying to get on at you, I just want to know your reasoning.

__________________
"Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you"
-"The Wasteland" by T.S. Elliot

Mike C

Animal Farm was indeed brilliant, and yes, best viewed in context within Orwell's life and experience.

Interesting historical fact: When AF was written (1945) Britain was in the throes of rationing and censorship (much of the fodder for 1984) and books had to get govenment approval before they could be printed both on political and economic grounds - paper had to be allocated.

The government blocked publication of Animal Farm because it was anti-Stalinist and Stalin was, at that time, an ally. This was eventually overturned and, years later, it transpired that the official who attempted to block publication of AF was, in all likelihood, a soviet agent.

Just in case you wanted to know...

I can thoroughly recommend Homage to Catalonia, as well as just about everything else he wrote. Most of his novels are more or less autobiographical, and make for great social history as well as brilliant novels. My favourites are Keep the Aspidistra Flying, Coming Up for Air and The Clergyman's Daughter. His essays make interesting reading also.

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Lanex

I think the book was excellent and was very good to read. I think the ending had a great twist.

Lance

Good book, stupid movie.

The movie was dreadful, I loved the story but they couldn't get it down in the movie.

Minka

Homage to Catalonia is amazing. It's not fictional, but Orwell recounts his gruelling experiences with his usual eloquence. As for Animal Farm, that book gave me the creeps. In a good way though (it was the evil pigs that did it). I was only about thirteen when I read it, so the links with communism didn't really click straight away. But now I know more about communism in Russia, I can see it for the brilliant black satire that it really is.

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SteMcGrath

Orwell is one of my favorite authors. Has anyone read- The road to Wigan pier? It's a very interesting book. Talks predominately about socialism. He's an amazing writer. His moral high ground is a force to be reckoned with!

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Luzici

I felt tempted to pick up this book quite a few times. But then I was assigned to read 1984 in school once, and since I couldn't stand that I doubt I will ever read Animal Farm.