George Orwell's Animal Farm may seem simple on the surface - the story of a Manor Farm's animals taking over and kicking out their oppressive farmer - but it's an allegorical tale. Orwell is illustrating his own thoughts on Soviet Communism. After the revolution, the animals of the newly named Animal Farm set down some rules, The Seven Commandments. (1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy; 2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend; 3. No animal shall wear clothes; 4. No animal shall sleep in a bed; 5. No animal shall drink alcohol; 6. No animal shall kill any other animal; 7. All animals are equal.) Too soon, though, those rules begin to shift as the pigs set themselves up as leaders. Through mysterious disappearances, food shortages, increasing work hours and even rumors of murder, Animal Farm begins to take on a frightening feel.

Fans of Orwell shouldn't miss out on this classic tale. Although it's political in nature, readers intimidated by the complex nature of politics will find this novel enjoyable and easy to understand.

For me, what was the most frightening about the novel's plot was how accepting the animals were of the changes and how quickly the farm went from a communist utopia to totalitarian dystopia. Although this novel has a fantasy feel to it (with the characters being animals), it also feels all-too-real. I could easily see this happening in a human society, as well.

After finishing the novel, I wanted to research politics, finding out where Orwell got his inspiration. As always with Orwell, once I finish one of his novels, I want to go on to another. My favorites of his work (besides this one) are 1984, A Clergyman's Daugther and Keep the Aspidestras Flying.

Not many books frighten me, but this one certainly does. It's easy to understand the animals' feelings and motivations. It's easy to see how they accept the tyrannical leadership of the pigs, and that's scary.

George Orwell is known for his political and social commentary in his work. He often writes about class structure, controlling governments, and struggling within a system that works against the average person. His writing is excellent, and I suggest reading any of his books.

I recommend this book because it's a quick, easy read, but it's also extremely informative and thought-provoking. Everyone should read this book!

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Created Aug 23, 2008 at 11:03am • Submit your own review...