1984 Audiobook by George Orwell [Free Download by Trial]

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

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Summary

1984: New Classic Edition Audiobook by George Orwell is a dystopian novel first published in 1949. The plot of the novel is set in 1984, where most of the world has become affected by wars, government surveillance, and manipulation. Airstrip One (erstwhile UK) has become a province of a superstate called Oceania. Oceania is ruled by a party which uses thought police to suppress individual thinking and independence. The leader of the party is called Big Brother who is known to have a cult of personality. The party does continuous surveillance over its members and identifies anyone who does not conform to its principles. Such members go missing with all their records erased.

The protagonist, Winston Smith is a party member. He is not happy with the party workings and thinks of a secret rebellion. He writes a journal and hides it from others. The journal contains his thoughts criticizing the party and Big Brother. Winston is attracted to Julia, the young lady working at the ministry but thinks that she is an informant. Julia proposes her love to Winston and they start a love affair. Winston realizes that both of them hate the party and its working style. Winston knows that there is no way to escape the surveillance and watchful eyes of Big Brother and one day he will be caught. He loathes the thought of being caught and taken to the ministry for interrogation.

Review

1984: New Classic Edition (audiobook version) by George Orwell is a bestselling novel. Many of the terminologies and concepts such as Big Brother, doublethink, thoughtcrime, telescreen, memory hole etc. have become a part of our lives after its publication in 1949. It has been ranked one of the 100 best English novels from 1923 to 2005 by the Time Magazine. The characters have been detailed and the plot is engaging. The story moves forward in a logical and fast-paced manner which keeps the readers interested. The vision and thought clarity of the author can be seen while reading the novel. The futuristic scenario (at the time of publishing) of a world ruled by political parties where surveillance will lead to complete loss of privacy and plant fear among people has been beautifully portrayed by the author. The novel presents a deeply engaging storyline with shades of love, betrayal and hope and is a highly recommended read.