I recently decided to broaden my literary scope and to stop exclusively reading Fantasy/Sci-Fi books.
So I turned to the various Top 100 Novels lists namely the BBC Big Read, The Modern Library, Best 100 Novels.com and the Telegraph's Top 100 books, etc.
I am basically going to try and read as many of the books listed.
I started off with 1984 by George Orwell which appears on at least two of the lists. (Image from http://qbs4u.co.uk/1984.jpg)
Orwell's 1984 is a classic in various terms. It is most likely a book which is widely used as part of literature classes but probably not as well known as Animal Farm by the same author.
I am not going to discuss or review this book in the classic way as I am sure this has been done exhaustively. Rather I am just going to express my personal thoughts of the book.
It is a very well written book. As most greats it goes off to a slow start which was surprising considering that it is not a big book. Orwell lays out a setting in the broadest terms allowing the reader to come to his/her own visualisation of the setting and formulate his imaginary world in their own way.
I found it rather hard to identify with the main character Winston Smith as he is far removed from my own background. But his hopes and beliefs are conveyed very well which quickly enabled me to better understand his character.
What struck me most was Orwell's ability to make his world completely believable from the start. I was actually scared that the reality of 1984 will actually happen in my or any lifetime. I am not a history or political student/adept therefore will not go into how this might have actually happened in the past.
I think Orwell's main storyline actually revolved around portraying Winston being able to find a niche/happiness/love in a Big Brother world. Orwell's style of writing does not allow you to make any educated guesses. I did try but could not get anywhere and I have been able too do this and be proven correct with many books. He keeps you guessing...and I did not get one guess "right"!
The book does not become captivating until about 3/4 of the way through. When Winston gains possession of "the book" and starts narrating from it in my opinion. This allows the reader to confirm or readjust his thoughts on Orwell's world in accordance to the author's views.
Tragedy is very unexpected and it strikes very quickly in the book. At no point did I guess the turn of events and O'Brien turning out to be a member of the thought police and had also been watching Winston for 7 years.
Things that I know would be very difficult and perhaps impossible with today's technology and manpower such as the constant surveillance (which I was sceptic about) was made believable. Winston's encounters in the cells with some comrades was also well placed and appropriate.
In the end it is only Winston's acceptance of big brother which brings him some relief.
Power for the sake of power. It is a frightening aspect and very realistic in 1984.
Slavery is Freedom - I only realised the meaning of this at the end when Winston finally manages to love Big Brother. He is a slave but is free in Big Brother's World. I think he realised that he had to be able to doublethink etc to regain some sense...of being.
War is Peace - War for the oppression of the people to keeep those in power always in power, real war, fake war, no war if the conditions remain always the same are we not at peace?
Ignorance is strength - When you don't know anything about reality how can you fear the unknown?
Overall a very good read and I can see why it is a literature classic.
Next up Eragon by Christopher Paolini, not sure what list I saw this on but it's somewhere and it is fantasy which allows me a relapse...
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