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Where do I begin? This book is a cult classic that has impacted everyone in one way or another for good and bad (I cannot however forgive it for being the inspiration behind that dreadful reality TV show). I wanted to read this book and I think everyone else should because it is referenced all the time in movies, TV shows and political discussions. It also just so happens to be number 57 on my shrinking (slowly but surely) list.
Nineteen Eighty-four follows the life of Winston Smith an unassuming peon in the Big Brother ruled society of “future” London (remember this book was written in the 50’s so 1984 was the future). Winston plays the part of the perfect comrade (or party member) all the while he despises Big Brother and constantly questions the rewritten past.
The thing I loved about this story is the Big Brother society, video cameras everywhere, communist-based ideas (Big Brother posters, comrade etc) and the two minutes of hate. It was fascinating to see that all the bad things that were happening in the story are actually happening now. The whole BB society is based around a war that is never ending, to use up resources and give the community a common enemy (Iraq, terrorism, ring a bell?). Every house has telescreens to monitor everyone (CCTV, familiar?). I could go on but this isn’t meant to be a political/English essay.
How many people have read ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’? Everyone (or the majority, I can speak for everyone) agrees that it is a horrible society and yet we are headed on the same path. Read this book and see if you think we are headed for our own 1984 (2014?). Maybe we can change it.
Being number twenty-two on the Top 100 list I was always planning to read this book. The moment just presented itself when I had the whole apartment to myself for a month and need some stimuli. Whilst browsing the bookshelves (in an airport bookstore), this was the only book that I could remember being on the list. I decided to grab the chance to read it and finally get back on track with my Top 100 count down, or should I say “read” down.
This book was unlike any other that I have read. The style was unique and made the reading process interesting though at times frustrating. Not frustrating in the sense it was hard to get through but that so many things are left unsaid and not revealed until the last chapters.
The story is set in 1960’s India and deals with class struggles, life, death, love and most of all the complications that come with family. Throughout this book there is reference to a tragedy that has caused major upheaval and discontent with in the family. All problems seem to be centred around the twins Estha (male) and Rahel (female). This tragedy and what part they played in it is not revealed until the very end giving you a sense of reading half a story, which at times keeps you interested but can be at other times annoying.
I did however enjoy this book and it was nice to read something slightly different. I also found it interesting learning about the class system and Untouchables of India. If you get the chance read this book, reading a story from other sides of the world is enjoyable but also you feel like you are learning at the same time.
I know I have been really slack lately and not posted. I have been reading and I am in the middle of a post. The problem is that sometimes the words flow easily other times I have to force them out, resulting in not the best reading. So please be patient and I will get my butt into gear and post some more (more regularly).
