« Written in 1948, 1984 was George Orwell's chilling prophecy about the future. And while the year 1984 has come and gone, Orwell's narrative is timelier than ever. 1984 presents a startling and haunting vision of the world, so powerful that it is completely convincing from start to finish. » (Blurb from goodreads)
...I don't even know how to coherently write down my feelings after finishing this book. In short: 1984 by George Orwell is brilliant! If you haven't read it: go. It is probably one of the best books I've ever read - the entire world and dystopian universe is incredibly well crafted, believable and scary.
I loved the main character (Winston) and the way he introduced us to this world he hated, didn't understand and wanted to change. His logic is very sensible and like him we grow frustrated by the system, the rules, the lack of freedom of thought and expression of one's true mind and body. With him, we get hopeful at the possibility of change and crushed when it slips out our fingers. At the same time, we get the system and why it works.
I found the novel especially terrifying because of the logic behind the system and the overall benefits for the population. Most contemporary dystopias are clearly wrong and, as such, revolution is a definite possibility roaming in the horizon. But 1984 deals with the complete brain-washing of the population and the promotion of ignorance and submission by altering the way society thinks. The dictators don't just tell their people what to think, they twist and simplify the language so that they can't think for themselves/fight the system.
Furthermore the "rulers" know how to break the human spirit and truly believe they are creating a better world. What got me the most was that I know I would probably end up submitting to the system too. The knowledge that I would not be strong enough to fight against that world/be willing to live in it, scared me.
The entire book is also comprised of fabulous passages that are intelligent and thought provoking and painfully true. I can't even select specific quotes, because I would probably end up quoting the entire thing.