January 2012 Guest Editor Simon Lelic selects Nineteen Eighty-Four...
Not exactly an original pick, I realise, and some (irrationally, in my mind) would dispute its literary merits. On the other hand, it has proved almost Shakespearean in its impact on the English psyche – and certainly on mine. I read it first for GCSE English, and I still have the copy I should probably have returned to my teacher at the end of the school year. Which makes me worry now that perhaps I have deprived someone else of the pleasure. I’m including it here as penance, but also because I couldn’t not.
The Lovereading view...
Chosen by the public through a survey to coincide with the 10th birthday celebrations of World Book Day 2007, this title is one of ‘the ten books the nation can’t live without’. Have you read them all? Below are links to each title and position on the list.
1. Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontë
4. Harry Potter JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee
6. The Bible
7. Wuthering Heights Emily Brontë
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations Charles Dickens
| Primary Genre | Dystopian and utopian fiction |
| Other Genres: |
Deep within the Ministry of Truth, Outer Party member Winston Smith toils away as a propaganda writer to correct Oceanias written history. In a state of perpetual war with Eastasia and Eurasia, Oceania is governed by The Party, a totalitarian regime that controls every aspect of its citizens lives. And as the head of The Party, Big Brother sees and knows all.But Winston Smith is not satisfied with his regimented existence, and as he moves from small acts of insubordination to overt rebellion, he struggles to claim his individuality and freedom from those who would destroy him.Recognized as a classic of dystopian literature, Nineteen Eighty-Four is a literary masterpiece that explores the devastating impact that totalitarianism has on personal freedom, and mans innate struggle for freedom.Be it mystery, romance, drama, comedy, politics, or history, great literature stands the test of time. ClassicJoe proudly brings literary classics to todays digital readers, connecting those who love to read with authors whose work continues to get people talking. Look for other fiction and non-fiction classics from ClassicJoe.
Nineteen Eighty-Four features in the following genres: Dystopian and utopian fiction, Classic fiction: general and literary, Gift Books, Narrative theme: Politics, Speculative fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Stationery and miscellaneous items, Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure, Fiction: narrative themes
Nineteen Eighty-Four is available in Hardback, Paperback, Ebook, CD-Audio, Paperback (b Format)
Nineteen Eighty-Four was written by George Orwell and published by HarperCollins Canada
£3.59
