Winston Smith works for the Ministry of truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent – even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101…

Nineteen Eighty-Four is George Orwell’s terrifying vision of a totalitarian future in which everything and everyone is slave to a tyrannical regime.

Published in 1949, this novel is generally considered George Orwell’s masterpiece—although C. S. Lewis would definitely disagree, according to one of my all-time favorite scathing reviews. Honestly, I’m with Lewis here, but 1984 has undeniably left its mark on the Western literary world and, like many classics, is probably worth reading for that reason alone.

So come, enter the totalitarian world of Oceania where everything is terrible all the time! Enjoy the literary sensation of a boot stamping on a human face—forever.

Discussion questions below the cut!

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