Life changing ( )

Minns inte boken, men minns när och var jag läste den. ( )

I wiped out my previous review on Goodreads proper but will maintain the old one on here for now in addition to this one. I wiped out the Goodreads one because it is so tonally dissonant from my current reaction and understanding. My rating remains at four stars, shockingly. Often when I read a book I haven't in a decade or longer, my view changes drastically. Hell, even when I reread a book from a few years ago! So. The original Goodreads review was one I wrote when I wasn't entirely comfortable on the site yet. Now I'm a lot more confident. I read this in ninth grade. Whipped through it in one night, is more accurate. The teacher who assigned it was one of the most hated in the entire school, and students who had been graduated from my school years ago, still remembered how much they hated her. She was rude, cruel, hated students who were smarter than her, and a bigot. She also had a lot in common with Dolores Umbridge. I am not even kidding. I get horrible stomach aches when I read the fifth Harry Potter book because suddenly I'm fourteen again and I hate it. Back to this book. I did not care about it back then, and have always associated it with that teacher I hated. I didn't understand what it -really- was back then at all. As such, I wrote an incredibly superficial essay that hit all the rubric points it was supposed to, but it was clear the whole book was beyond me at the time. I picked it up as an adult now, and all I remember was Boxer's fate and the ending pages because they were so unsettling.

This book is a chilling, unflinching look at the origins and progress of totalitarianism, and more pointedly, late stage capitalism. The stages of each are so clearly delineated. And in such a short amount of pages! I was able to spot the pigs' progress towards being dictators, and knew where the white paint was going way before it even went there. Mollie was not a stupid animal: she was clearly stating she did not wish to be part of the rebellion. I wish the narrative hadn't gone after her so much, if all that was going to happen was that she went to the farm next door and got the life she wanted. Unlike so many animals that were later killed because some little piggy had a huge ego and a way of swaying others. I was upset, reading this. The phrase, "History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme," by Mark Twain was in my head over and over again because this is happening today and it's awful. There are a lot of people trying to stop it. I hope it does stop. Without being too spoilery, the book does not have that result. And the ending is still just as powerful now. I remember thinking this was somehow a banned book in some schools. I don't think it should be banned; I think teens need to keep reading this and questioning authority. Adults, too. ( )

Animal Farm: There is a reason, much like Candide, that this book is an unforgettable classic. There is a special something in Animal Farm, a impactful weight in so few pages. Each word is carefully chosen to give the imagination just enough food to contemplate the stifling air of control and dictatorship. Orwell uses satire to tell his own moralistic fairy tale which showcases for the reader the danger and intoxication power brings. The pacing is smooth, the characters are moving, and the way Orwell tells how they face each challenge is moving. Both the first time I read Animal Farm and this past re-read, I was eager to learn what happened next.
I highly recommend Animal Farm to everyone. It is digestible for any reader, and its deeper themes offer contemplation long after it is finished. ( )

I enjoyed this book a lot. This book is an interesting way for people to learn about the history of the Russian Revolution. I think George Orwell is a brilliant writer for representing the Russian Revolution with farm animals. I also really like this book because anyone can read it. You can read it as a kid and just enjoy hearing about the farm animals. Or, you can read it as a teenager and adult and understand he deeping meaning behind it. Either way, everyone can enjoy it. ( )

Not really a review: A reread of both books; Animal Farm from the early 1960s; 1984 from a few years later. Both books are about like I remember them.

Animal Farm reads like a fable, which of course it is. 1984's really powerful, and depressing. ( )

Rebelión en la granja es una crítica a los regímenes totalitarios y al comportamiento humano, al poder y a la diferencia de clases. 1984 se construye como una distopía crítica con respecto a la manipulación y control de masas por parte del poder o gobierno.

Maybe not the right frame of mind, but just couldn't get into it.....made it about half way and gave up.

Although both novels are much praised, I really disliked their concepts and found little enjoyment in reading them. ( )

I enjoyed "Animal Farm" by George Orwell. The plot was definitely original and it had a lot of plot twists and turns that were enjoyable to read.
Although I read it many years ago, I would definitely suggest it for an interesting read. ( )

Most people have either read or heard of the famous story by George Orwell, Animal Farm. It tells the simple and tragic story of what happens when the oppressed farm animals rebel, drive out Mr. Jones, the farmer, and attempt to rule the farm themselves on an equal basis. They have only one rule: All animals are equal. Yet, as the story progresses we see some animals become more equal than others. After driving out Farmer Jones, the animals create the "Seven Commandments" which ensure equality and prosperity for all the animals. The pigs , who consider themselves intellectually superior, use propaganda to reverse the commandments and establish the rule of an elite of pigs, under the leadership of Napoleon.

The author describes how power turned the pigs from simple comrades to merciless dictators who soon learn to walk on two legs and carry whips. Published in 1945, the story is often seen as an analysis of the Soviet regime, or as a warning against political power games of an absolute nature and totalitarianism in general. This book is considered to be one of the very best examples of political parody. I usually read this book every few years and continue to find something new and amazing every time I do. ( )

Beautifully written ( )

Animal Farm: I surprised myself by knocking this book hour within three hours. It's essentially he less graphic, less intense predecessor to 1984. A highly allegorical commentary on Stalinism.

1984: It's one of those "must read" books. I'm ashamed I didn't read it until recently. Like everyone else, I knew some of the basic already. Newspeak, thoughtcrime, etc. What I didn't know were the specifics. I knew things weren't going to end well, and I had my suspicions, but it managed to catch me off guard on exactly when and where things went down. It's so quotable too, in a terrible warning kind of way. ( )

Animal Farm , the classic satire of the Russian Revolution, makes me think of The Who's We Won't Get Fooled Again : "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss". ( )

Well-known sci-fi writer, George Orwell, will get students to thinking those what if questions. In 1984, he writes about a dystopian society of his future that is chilling and haunting. In Animal Farm, students can explore the deeper political themes and what if questions stemming from government control and people's rights. ( )

Not a children's book despite it's title! A brilliant, darkly humorous look at politics and people's "rights".

Animal Farm is an excellent story of how politics rears its ugly head in life. Animal farm is written to where younger kids can understand how government should and shouldn't work. Animal farm is an easy read for anybody. The complexity of the story is made to where it's easy to follow and comprehend.


1984 is about how big brother is watching every move you and I make. With all the recent current news headlines, this book has gained a lot of attention. The story leads us through the lives of how governement controls everything that happen in their lives. How stories are spun to make them seem more positive for the govt. How products are made and distributed through the country at the hands of govt. Even to how you watch tv is controlled. The sad thing about 1984 is that some of the items discussed in this book are actually taking place in 2013. Who knew that Mr. Orwell would be able to describe how controlling and decietful a our govt. would turn out to be. ( )

Animal Farm
Orwell's classic fable in which the animals, led by the pigs, evict Mr. Jones from the farm and begin to rule themselves on Animal Farm.

Although I've never read the tale myself before, [Animal Farm] is so ingrained in the social consciousness that I knew every detail before it happened. And yet despite the fact that there was no surprises in this satire, it was still a worthwhile reading experience. Orwell's tale is succinct, sharply insightful, and so brilliantly describes the Communist Revolution in Russia sparing neither the communists nor the democratic powers, while still creating sympathy for the working classes. My favourite part of reading the book was matching up the animal characters with the leaders of the Russian revolution that I spent weeks studying in high school history classes. A classic that is highly readable and highly recommended.

1984
The classic dystopia set in 1984, in which Winston Smith begins to question the supremacy of the Party and Big Brother.

From it's fantastic opening sentence, Orwell's novel is a classic of the dystopian genre for a reason. Brilliantly conceptualized, the world building, the politics, and Winston Smith's character arc are the definition of perfection. With a plot that is terrifying for its ongoing plausibility and language that has made its way into the vernacular, the lasting impact of this novel is undeniable. ( )

Read a little bit about the Russian revolution before you start then match the allegorical characters to the real ones. You may not have had to argue with my English Teacher that it is a political allegory, "How do you know that?" he kept probing, and there is nothing wrong with challenge, probing is another matter, you may not have to endure this! ( )

This book had two of George Orwell's works contained in it. Animal Farm was about the animals on the farm led by the pig population (which was the smarter of the animals) and specIfically, Major, an old boar. The animals plot to overtake the farm and throw Mr. Jones out. It is an eerie reminder what happens as history always repeats itself.
Although the year 1984 has come and gone, this book was written in the 1940s as how the the future may be in 40 years. Happenings of the time, although they may have been far fetched at that time, present themselves in current life. Winston lived in the country Oceana and was governed by "Big Brother" in all his thoughts and actions. He fell in love with Julia and was forbidden to see her or talk to her. History could be changed or deleted at any time. Our lives are on tape many times a day, at a gas pump, a convenience store, an ATM, a traffic signal - just to name a few. We also have many of our "freedoms" taken from us and our actions too are controlled by "Big Brother." The end has a rather unique twist that I was totally not expecting.
Both books are classics that I did not read in high school. I am glad that I took the opportunity to visit them, but likely not a "read again" sometime. ( )

Review is for Animal Farm ONLY

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

In the first chapter of the book, we learn that Mr. Jones, the owner of the farm, is a drunkard and ‘Major’, an old hog is the ‘leader’ of the animals. He calls a meeting and tells the animals they need to ‘stand up for their rights’. He also tells them he is dying. Soon after this the animals revolt and take over the farm.

At first it goes well for the animals, then the old adage “Power corrupts”, comes into play and the animals are found to be in a worse situation. The pigs take advantage of the animals poor memories and rewrite history and the “7 commandments”.

Animal Farm is a satire of the Russian Revolution under Stalin. It was very difficult to get this book published, even in London because of the pro-Stalin sentiment. After all, Stalin had helped them defeat the Germans. He didn’t fight against the Germans out of the goodness of his heart, Germany was making moves on the Soviet Union and also Stalin wanted the countries that Germany had occupied during the war. Berlin was this nice little city and he wanted it.

What I got from this is commentary on how the poor, regular people suffer when government has too much power. I’m not up on my Russian Revolution history, but apparently what happened in the book was a mirror of what happened in Russia. Orwell was trying to make people aware. The book became much more popular during the cold war.

This was a quick read, some people find it grim, I thought it was scary, if we aren’t careful we might lose our freedom in our efforts to stay safe. The animals thought they were safe, and that they were better off with the pigs ruling, but were they? ( )

For whatever reason, "Animal Farm" was never assigned to me in school. I'm disappointed that I waited so long to read it. Of course, it's brilliant. Tragic, disturbing, all-too realistic, and so very, very sad.

"Animal Farm" is a allegorical look at Stalinist Russia. How those with evil--but seemingly well intentioned--ideals can sway an unsuspecting and naive public into believing pretty much anything. It also underscores how so often history repeats itself.

This is a book that everyone should read, especially Americans. As we head into the 2012 election, we need frequent reminders that we need to keep an eye on our leaders' actions and not just the flowery words they use. You know. Like "hope" and "change." ( )

I have to confess that I never read either of these classics before (although my mother did read Animal Farm to me when I was a child). All in all, I find Animal Farm to be fantastic because it's so simple. In fact, most children can understand it--even on its deepest level--maybe not the specific historical allusions, but then, what's really important isn't that it happened in Russia, but that it could happen anywhere--and I had no trouble at around 8, understanding what the pigs were up to and why. I find 1984, for all its accolades, to be the weaker of the two. The first half or so is fantastic, but then the book lapses into pedantry for far too long, having killed much of its dramatic momentum before the wheels start turning again. Of course, it hurts the modern reader somewhat that we know what's going to happen--even if you've never seen the movie or had the ending spoiled (as I hadn't). In 1949, Orwell hadn't been exposed to as much Holocaust narrative as we have. For the modern reader, it's horrible, but not surprising. All in all, 1984 is a great book, but Brave New World seems to have emerged as the better predictor of the totalitarianism of the future (or the present, as the case may be). It Can't Happen Here is a better cautionary tale, and Atlas Shrugged is more inspirational. If the future path of psychological torture is what interests you most, you might be better off with A Clockwork Orange or even One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. That said, those are comparisons that everyone should get to make for himself--and that everyone should make. You actually should read them all--including 1984--while you still can. ( )

Something the revolution brings forth new types of crooks. If people don't pay attention to what their elected leaders are doing once they are elected, then like some of the characters in the book they will be looking on the outside at people on the inside having a good time at their expense.
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The book Animal Farm takes you to a setting of struggle and wanting to be better. The book overall was ok but not that great, it may be that I am at the age of 15 and do not understand the certain things in life that they talk about. I do know that you must read the book carfully so that you can fully understand what is going on and who is doing what and why. This story could be good if it was written in the time of now, but it was not. The story could have been better, but i think that what made it some what bad was how slow the book went. Yet if you like books that deal with a time of history and has a ton of conflicts, then this is a story for you. ( )