Animal Farm Author:George Orwell A farm is taken over by its overworked, mistreated animals. With flaming idealism and stirring slogans, they set out to create a paradise of progress, justice and equality. Thus the stage is set for one of the most telling satiric fables ever penned--a razor-edged fairy tale for grown-ups that records the evolution from revolution against tyrann... more »y to a totalitarianism just as terrible. When Animal Farm was first published, Stalinist Russia was seen as its target. Today it is devastatingly clear that wherever and whenever freedom is attacked, under whatever banner, the cutting clarity and savage comedy of George Orwell's masterpiece have a meaning and message still ferociously fresh.« less
Fantastic, quick read and one of those books everyone "should" read at some point. Orwell makes you think and it really is spooky how some of the themes in this book echo what is going on in the world today.
One of my all time favorite books. A great read and a bit 'scary" to think that it was written 80 years ago and yet is so contemporary in the 21st century.
This is a classic that I had been meaning to read for years. Orwell uses animals on a farm as an allegory for slavery, and as the animals become self-governing, you realize they are not much better off -- although many of the animals think they are in a much better situation.
If you are looking for a fairy tale ending, you'll want to skip this; it is dark and a little depressing. However, if you want something to make you think about human interactions and our perceptions, this book has stood the test of time for a reason. The book is well written, although some of the primary characters are quite 1-dimenensional (on purpose), and the book moves along at a nice pace.
This is definitely one to read twice to pick up some of the nuances.
I was actually rather impressed with this book. It has an interesting characters and an interesting plot. To me, however, the best part was the underlying historical significance of the Russian revolution and the beginning of Communism. The story itself with the main characters being animals is a little awkward, by still good nonetheless.
We studied this book in my lit class junior year, I absolutely loved it. It's not something I would have picked up on my own, but I'm really glad it was on our required reading list.
Powerful fable. The edition includes some helpful insight into Orwell's perspectives and experience as well: committed socialist who was disillusioned with the way the Soviets played communism out. It is well worth reading as a reminder of the fallibility of people in power.
This book has been described as a masterpiece.. a view of the future. A devastating attack on the pig-headed gluttonous and avaricious rulers in an imaginary totalitatian state. It illuminates the range of human experience from love to hate, from comedy to tradegy.
This remarkable book has been described in many ways as a masterpiece...a fairy story ...a brilliant satire...a frightening view of the future. A devastating attack on the pig-headed, gluttonous and avaricious rulers in an imaginary totalitarian state, it illuminates the range of human experience from love to have, from comedy to tragedy.
