In the vast amounts of books that exist within the world of literature, there lies even more genres of literature and within each genre there is always one book that comes to mind when a genre’s name is even muttered. To the genre of the dystopian society, that book (to me, at least) is George Orwell’s 1984. The relatively morbid “what-if” scenario is considered to be one of the most influential novels of all time, so why not kick start a book blog with it?
A frightening revelation at the time of its publication in 1949, it has not only gotten better with age, but it has also recently had a revival in relativity with our own society after the NSA leak in the recent years. However, without a proper introduction of the novel (on the off chance that you happen to be on a book blog without any prior knowledge of the book), you may be sitting there, wondering why life being like a book is a bad thing. Allow me to inform you how: In the grand scheme of things, I believe I’m safe in assuming that if you are on an electronic device visiting this blog then you, within your own right, are free. Now imagine that all of your own rights that give you your freedom are taken away; your privacy, your sexuality, your inhibitions, and your aspirations. They’re all gone, you’re now the same as everyone else, and if you resist being another cog in the machine, you’re brainwashed until you overcome whatever makes you stand out in society. Sound bad enough yet? Without giving too much away to those that are unlucky enough to have never gotten the chance to read this tale, that’s just scratching the surface.
George Orwell’s story revolves around Winston Smith, a historical “rectifier” in the Records Department of the Ministry of Truth who, we learn right from the beginning, has a sense of missing something in society and just generally feeling different than the people around him, which as I’ve stated before is not a good thing. From there on, he meets a woman named Julia with a shared interest of searching for more meaning in a seemingly meaningless society and their evasion of the totalitarian government that lurks over them as they embark on adventures against the beliefs of their own society. Interested? You should be. Not only is this story an exciting social commentary on governments of the past, but it is also a story that will never lose its place in literature due to its ability to constantly stay relevant to the world and its goings on.
As if it wasn’t already obvious to everybody, this book has a special place on my shelf. Its gripping narrative, ability to set memorable scenes in bleak environments, introduction of sympathetic characters in an unrelatable world, and several other unique characteristics are all mixed together in a manner that binds together a spectacular narration and an unforgettable read that I wish upon anyone who desires something new to try out or even someone who just happens to need a reminder that it’s the time of year to reread one of George Orwell’s most popular books, just as I plan to do for a long while to come.
Any books that you particularly enjoyed in the dystiopian genre?
Suggestions on books for me to blog about next?
Comment below and let me know!
Later, skaters
Tyler
The Blue Room 