The age old saying of history is written by the victors comes as no surprise to the extent it is seen in George Orwell’s novel 1984. The novel follows Winston Smith as he lives and works through the age of Big Brother. Big Brother is an organisation that has total control over what the people read and absorb throughout their day to day lives. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, a place where he and others like him change the “truth” to a more favourable viewing of Big Brother to society and the people. Newspapers and records are retroactively changed to reflect the importance of Big Brother. Posters with the eyes of Big Brother are watching everyone’s every move and the thought police are ready for any mistake that is made. People disappear, not just from their homes but from all records. When Winston starts to question the party he truly realises how in danger he is and how that can harm not only himself but anyone he cares about.
Orwell’s writing can still send shivers down your spine despite 1984 being published decades ago. When I finished it I just sat in silence for a few minutes to process what I had read.
What is felt by characters really comes through the page so the reader can feel the danger and the fear. It is very well written and gripping to the last word. Winston’s struggle between giving in to the regime and fighting for some semblance of freedom really hits to the core of any and every one. The fact that he seems to remember the family he lost so many years ago really hits home as he is the only one that will remember them and when he is gone there will be no one and nothing left to remember his family and what freedom they had.
A Geeky Love of Books 