Typically considered a timeless classic, 1984 by George Orwell is a masterful portrayal of a dystopian society ruled by a totalitarian regime called “Big Brother”. The system exerts absolute control over every aspect of life, crushing any signs or even thoughts that contradict the party’s philosophy of conformity. Winston Smith, the protagonist, risks and sacrifices everything as he navigates the world of perpetual surveillance, mind control, and oppressive propaganda in order to find freedom. The novel’s depiction of such a society is both thought-provoking and eerily relevant, making it a must-read as it showcases Orwell’s enduring warning for the dangers of unchecked power in government.
Opening Line: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
Favorite Line: 2. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
Why I Like It: The intricate world building of Oceania is scarily realistic, drawing parallels to contemporary societies such as North Korea. It was a chilling and thrilling read as its exploration of an omnipotent government provokes the reader to reconsider the society they live in and what it means to be a citizen.
Read If You Like: The Cold War period, Black Mirror, The Handmaid’s Tale, and the dystopian genre in general.