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A review by samdalefox
Animal Farm by George Orwell
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It will come as no surprise to people that I'm a fan of Orwell's work. He uses clear and simple language and imagery to paint an accessible political picture Totalitarianism. Despite being written at the end of WWII and is clearly a scathing mockery of Stalin's USSR, I believe the 'Animal Farm' fable is increasingly relevant today.
The story describes why Totalitarianism/Authoritarism occurs (those selfishly seeking power and those unable or unwilling to stop this power) and how it occurs (violence, gaslighting, exploitation, scapegoating). The story highlights that Totalitarianism power is morally the same irespective of original economic ideology (Communist vs Capitalist), and in my opinion gently endorses Socialism and Community through The Major, the first year of the farm, and the 'Beasts of England' song. Different Totalitarian states have different justifications for their rule, but Animal Farm suggests that all totalitarian regimes are fundamentally the same: those in power care only about maintaining their power by any means necessary, and they do so by oppressing the individual and the lower classes. Orwell therefore very clearly highlights the importance of an educated and critically thinking lower classes. Another StoryGraph user 'humlejenta' has a longer review that covers these points in greater depth.
The famous ending"The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.” neatly summarises the horror and is still relevant to this day. All of us are under some sort of economic oppressing class. Britian in particular is currently sleepwaking towards Authoritarianism and has deeply embedded capitalist class divisions. I am reminded of two quotes which summarises the spirit of Animal Farm: "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others" - Nelson Mandela. And, "The oppressed, instead of striving for liberation, tend themselves to become oppressors.” - Paulo Freire. Becoming the new oppressing class is not freedom. Being oppressed by a different ideological regime is not freedom.
I recommend this book to everyone. Recognise the danger signs and act quickly. Embrace socialism and your community. Ask questions, educate yourself, and think critically of those in power.
The story describes why Totalitarianism/Authoritarism occurs (those selfishly seeking power and those unable or unwilling to stop this power) and how it occurs (violence, gaslighting, exploitation, scapegoating). The story highlights that Totalitarianism power is morally the same irespective of original economic ideology (Communist vs Capitalist), and in my opinion gently endorses Socialism and Community through The Major, the first year of the farm, and the 'Beasts of England' song. Different Totalitarian states have different justifications for their rule, but Animal Farm suggests that all totalitarian regimes are fundamentally the same: those in power care only about maintaining their power by any means necessary, and they do so by oppressing the individual and the lower classes. Orwell therefore very clearly highlights the importance of an educated and critically thinking lower classes. Another StoryGraph user 'humlejenta' has a longer review that covers these points in greater depth.
The famous ending
I recommend this book to everyone. Recognise the danger signs and act quickly. Embrace socialism and your community. Ask questions, educate yourself, and think critically of those in power.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Animal death