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1984 A Novel
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

1984 A Novel Unknown - 2001

by Orwell, George


Summary

Hidden away in the Record Department of the sprawling Ministry of Truth, Winston Smith skilfully rewrites the past to suit the needs of the Party. Yet he inwardly rebels against the totalitarian world he lives in, which demands absolute obedience and controls him through the all-seeing telescreens and the watchful eye of Big Brother, symbolic head of the Party. In his longing for truth and liberty, Smith begins a secret love affair with a fellow-worker Julia, but soon discovers the true price of freedom is betrayal.

From the publisher

Written in 1949, this novel was set in the society of the future toward which George Orwell believed both extreme right- and left-wing totalitarianism were heading. In this terrifying society, there is no place for truth. Historical records are destroyed, and propaganda replaces information. Thought and love are punished as crimes. Privacy is both denied and impossible to attain. Placards everywhere warn: "Big Brother is watching you". It is in that setting that Orwell tells the tale of a middle-aged man and a young woman who decide to rebel.

First line

It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.

Details

  • Title 1984 A Novel
  • Author Orwell, George
  • Binding unknown
  • Publisher Thorndike Press
  • Date February 2001
  • ISBN 9780783893686