Hello,

The next Book in my Challenge 2020 is a book by a dead author! For this category I chose, 1984 – George Orwell.

1984, the world is divided. Three states now exist after World War II – Oceania (British isles, America, Pacific and Australia), Eurasia (Europe and Russia) and Eastasia (the rest the world). There is a continuous warfare between the three of them in order to keep the peace.

“WAR IS PEACE

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.”

Imagine a utopia. Imagine living in a country whose leaders follow a totalitarian system in order to regulate their citizens. Sorry did I say utopia? I meant dystopia.

“ They were the homes of the four Ministries between which the entire apparatus of government was divided. The Ministry of Truth which concerned itself with news, entertainment, education and fine arts. The Ministry of Peace, which concerned itself with war. The Ministry of Love, which maintained law and order. And the Ministry of Plenty, which was responsible for economic affairs.”

A controlled life is what you live. The state controls everything – your working, your eating, your drinking, your talking, your thinking and even your procreating. The Thought Police are there to monitor you and any signs of disobedience can be detected and acted upon by the all seeing eye, Big Brother.

“Freedom is the freedom to say two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.”

Individualism is a crime. There is no real truth, no real right or wrong. The past is not the past you remember. The past is controlled by the government. Rewritten over and over the strengthen the rule of the leader.

This is Winston Smiths job. Hidden away in the records department in the Ministry of Truth he rewrites the past to suit the needs of the party. He hates it and internally he is rebelling. And his inward rebelliousness is starting to show…

“You will have to get used to living without results and without hope. You will work for a while, you will be caught, you will confess, and then you will die…We are the dead.”

Individualism is a crime. Whatever the state says, goes. You must believe. Black is white. 2+2=5. If the state says it’s so then it must be so.

“Why should the fruit be held inferior to the flower?”

In longing for the real truth, and real liberty, Smith embarks upon a secret love affair with Julia but what he discovers is the true price of freedom…is betrayal.

This book is haunting…incredible in so many ways…but incredibly haunting and dark. I was speaking to someone very close to me about this book and they commented on it being an interesting time in this Coronavirus day and age to read about a totalitarian state with increased surveillance and decreased liberty. Whilst our lives aren’t quite as controlled as those in 1984, it definitely makes you think. It’s actually quite scary!

I would not recommend this book if you’re feeling sad and looking for a feel good read – this will not fulfil that need. But if you’re looking for a interesting read, then I would recommend.

Find it on Amazon

Hope you’re all keeping yourselves safe,

Until next time,

Keep reading,

D x