1984 is a dystopian novel of a state in which the government, led by Big Brother, controls everything, including people's thoughts and actions. Winston Smith is the protagonist who begins to resist the Party's rule and searches for truth in a world full of lies. In seeking knowledge of the world he is living, he faces the dangers of surveillance, strict laws, and suppression of independent thought. The novel deals with the themes of power, control, and fighting for freedom.
The book is very good, but the dark tone that follows the entire story can be overwhelming. The story is full of false hope and twists that the audience cannot predict. There are also some odd parts that don’t really align with today’s ideas and beliefs which is likely why this book is deemed controversial. One can only imagine how society felt about this book when it was published. Despite this, 1984 is one of the most influential books ever written. It warns against government surveillance, propaganda, and the loss of personal freedom—issues that can still be found in some places today. A lot of words from this novel like “thoughtcrime” and “Big Brother” have found their way into today’s language. Overall, it is a very interesting book and can definitely make the reader think.