1984

By: George Orwell

Narrated by: Theo Solomon

One of the most celebrated classics of the twentieth century, this cautionary tale of a man trapped under the gaze of an authoritarian state is more relevant now than ever before.

“Thoughtcrime was not a thing that could be concealed for ever. You might dodge successfully for a while, even for years, but sooner or later they were bound to get you.”

Winston Smith works in the Ministry of Truth—or Minitrue as it is called in Newspeak—where he alters newspapers and reports to follow the arbitrary dictates of Big Brother’s propaganda. Beneath his outward conformity, however, Winston dreams of sharing his treasonable thoughts and breaking through the loneliness in which he lives.

Thus he takes his first dangerous steps, writing a diary of his doubts and then falling in love with a woman of the Party, the beautiful and brave Julia. They know their love is doomed, but Julia says, “They can make you say anything—anything—but they can’t make you believe it.”

But in Oceania, there is no possibility of solidarity, rebellion, or love—and the Party can reach anywhere.

First published in 1949, this disturbing novel that George Orwell wrote during a time of great social and political unrest centers on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance, and repressive regimentation of people and behaviors within society.

This classic of dystopian fiction contributed new words that became part of common English usage, including Big Brother, doublethink, newspeak, and thoughtcrime. The adjective "Orwellian" has come to mean government deception, surveillance, and misleading terminology.

Cover illustration & Design by Derek Anderson and Joel Anderson. © Anderson Design Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Licensed by Anderson Design Group.

©1949 Harcourt Brace and Company. © renewed 1977 by Sonia Brownell Orwell (P)2024 Blackstone Publishing

The Tragedy of the 20th century, distilled

I'm no poet or well learned philosopher, neither a political science major or altogether a great patriot of the times, however the warning here in political theory is obvious and startling to say the least. It brings a new meaning to the word totalitarian, and the last chapter is perhaps one of the most tragic segments of fiction I've read.

This 'big brother' controls everything. Everything. Period. Commerce, Politics, day to day life, marriage, sensuality, your *thoughts*. It is evil, and an advisable warning to heed.

Sounds like today

Astounding read with eye opening points. So relatable today and it was written a long time ago. The beginning was a little slow so don’t let that deter you. It sets the whole premise (as usual) like other stories.

Glad that I read it

Glad that I got to cross another classic read off my list. It was a good book, but not amazing… the performance was the best part.

Awesome

Interesting story to hear about. Give it a go, you won't be disappointed. I listened to it twice.

Doubleplusgood

Great story. Everyone should read this and be wary that it does not come to be truth. Narrator did a great job too.