This is the story of the down trodden and destinctly average Winston Smith who lives in post war London, although Britain has been renamed Air Strip One and London is never specifically mentioned there are refrences to famous buildings and landmarks so the reader is clear where the story takes place. Winston lives in an era where all technology has been focused on either the improvement of weapons to fight the 'continuous war' or put to use in the constant monitoring of the citizens of the country. Every act is viewed by the sinister dictator 'Big Brother', this is made clear early in the story when Smith is woken by his ever pesent TV and begins his morning stretches. During these vigours he fails to touch his toes and is repremanded by the stern woman on the screen, she can see all those who are bending and thrusting in their tiny, filthy homes.
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The whole story begins with one small rebelious act. Smith discovers a tiny alcove beside the screen in his room that he can hide in and remain unseen by Big Brother. He begins writing a diary of his life and openly realises that if this were to come to the attention of BB he would be killed. As he carries on with this small release he becomes more and more daring in his rebelion of the system and although his acts are as innocent as falling in love and even thinking unpositive thoughts about Big Brother they are very risky as the constant threat of the Though Police is always near. He begins a relationship with a woman who works for the Government and though boyish and brash she is still an attractive and likable character who compliments Smiths innocence beautifully and makes the outcome for them both seem all the more tragic.
The review of this Book prepared by Rory Bulloch
The book starts out describing the novel's protagonist, Winston Smith, as an isolated citizen of Oceania who is trying to develop his own thoughts. Winston finds ways to express his hatred for the party by writing his own thoughts in a diary, and he has an affair with a woman; this is illegal because the party limits sexual acts only for reproductive means for future Party members. The Thought Police eventually catch Winston and take him to one of the head departments of government where he is tortured until he is a loyal member of the Party.
The review of this Book prepared by Paula Keller
1984 is a vision of a nightmarish 'utopian' society. In this society, the government, Big Brother, is in ultimate control. Winston Smith goes against Big Brother by having his own thoughts and taking part in a love affair. When the Thought Police, Big Brother's law force, catch Winston and his lover, the Police's goal is to break Winston and completely control his mind forever. The Police will use physical and psychological torture to acheive this.
The review of this Book prepared by Lucy Johnson
George Orwell aptly describes the world of the future, the world in 1984. This futuristic society is inhabited by mindless followers of the "Party" and helpless drones (the Proles) who live in utter ignorance of the overwhelming control exerted by Big Brother. Their exists a secret underground of non-party followers who try to slowly destroy big brother, yet in the end can anyone escape the all seeing eye of the telescreen?
The review of this Book prepared by Amanda Doll
