Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm

by George Orwell

Animal Farm is George Orwell’s brilliant political satire and allegorical fable about the corrupting effects of power. Published in 1945 it is, to this day, one of the most famous and influential works of fiction ever written.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful hardbacks make perfect gifts for book lovers, or wonderful additions to your own collection. This edition features an introduction by journalist, award-winning writer and editor of the New Statesman, Jason Cowley.

When the old Major, a highly respected white boar, gathers his fellow farm animals to preach about freedom, rebellion and the evils of man, he incites a revolution that has been brewing for years. The animals drive out their drunken farmer and create their own society – with the promise of equality for all, two scheming pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, appoint themselves leaders. What begins as a supposedly equalitarian community descends into an increasingly violent and hierarchical society, permeated by lies and corruption. Years after publication, Orwell's words remain a stark warning against the lure of fascist populism.

Reviewed by clementine on

3 of 5 stars

Share
This was a quick, entertaining read, and I get that context matters, but I just felt like I was being beaten over the head with a metaphor for Communism. It was interesting how there were parallels to 1984 (the statistics always showing they're better off, confusing the animals and constantly rewriting history), and it's a fairly effective metaphor, but I guess I'm not really into books that scream "HELLO I AM ALLEGORY" at me.

In the end I feel like Animal Farm is basically the same book as 1984 (i.e. a critique of a totalitarian form of government, albeit a slightly different kind), and just... done less well. Because I really liked 1984, but Animal Farm just feels too overtly like A Warning to me, which is also how I felt about Fahrenheit 451 and a large pat of why I wasn't really into it. I do understand the value of this kind of book, but I suppose I like my books to serve a purpose other than pure allegory. At least 1984 had a cool story.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 19 December, 2012: Finished reading
  • 19 December, 2012: Reviewed