Opinions on 1984?

Question

I'm thinking of buying 1984 by George Orwell and just wanted some opinions. Is it worth my time?

Answer 1

It is definitely worth your time. The author treated the great despotisms of modern times--Fascism, Nazism, Communism--and explored how any such regime could keep the people subjugated.

However, an interesting counterpoint to Orwell's "1984" is "Orwell's Revenge" by Peter Huber. You don't need to buy that, because maybe you can get it on interlibrary loan. Huber argues that actually regimes could not use ubiquitous scanning, sensing, and computer tchnology to keep people down. This is because people could use the network in reverse.

This is relevant today, because Communist China wants to have the benefits of the Internet, and yet they want to have complete control over what people see and do there. You're watching "1984" play out in real time.

Answer 2

It's something that everyone needs to read at least once, I think. Right up there with all the other classics. That being said (and I've read it twice) I don't like it very much. I think the writing's rather dull and I can't really relate to the main character. I also don't think the setting is all the plausible, but that's mostly opinion-oriented.

Still, it's not bad, and it's definitely worth your time. I suggest following it up with Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" though, for a different perspective on the whole dystopia thing.

Answer 3

I found it to be absolutely brilliant, I purchased it back in July,and it was the best three days I spent on reading a book. I few days ago,I just finished Animal farm,also by george orwell,I suggest you purchase that to. When you read it,you'll find how true those things are in society.

Answer 4

I'd say that it is very much worth your time. It's a beautiful classic, and makes some great points- or you could just call it a cool story, if you so wished. I know that I checked it out from the library first, and decided that it was definetly a keep-able book. And it's only a eight dollar book, so what the heck, right?

Answer 5

I think that it's a very good book.
My uncle is John Lewis, and he actually wrote the book "The Silence of Them," and it is supposed to be like a 1984 for the new millenium. Check them both out!

Answer 6

Hedge your bets. Borrow it from your public libary. It's good. Give it a try.