This negative utopia called "1984" was written in 1948. The author, George Orwell, (whose real names were Eric Arthur Blair) was already dying of tuberculosis (in his native England) when it was completed. The book used metaphors to convey the author's perception of the Soviet Union.
It has all the essences of a future read: at least in that 1948 when it was first published. And like the "Animal Farm" before it, offers its reader only one functional gear: forward. I often enjoy books with this sort of flair. Although I must mention that this one used tinctures of gloom to spice-up its flavor. If you've read and enjoyed anything by James Hadley Chase or Nick Carter, you will love it. They are not related—just similar in their literary dynamics.
The plot invoked a totalitarian empire, which wallowed in lies and deceits. And, which remained obsessed with self-aggrandizement as it championed absolute tyranny. Any sense of freedom would be intertwined with unequivocal submission to the ruling Party. Meanwhile, the creed of this Party infers what its mission was all about. It steadfastly insists that: "Whoever controlled the past controls the future; and that whosoever controls the present controlled the past". The enforcement of this faith became boundless: in the Party's bid to (as they put it) "update the past" before smoothening the future. This was another calculated ploy to further expand the Party's almost unlimited power; and in the process innocence was lost, and justice became relative.
The theatrical location was London. And the author insinuated how the ideology of the imposing "Big Brother" empire opposed and threatened everything that mattered to the Brits and their allies. The story is from Winston Smith's perspectives. He was a high-ranker at the (so-called) Ministry of Truth, and his responsibilities included the "correction" of all records each time the "Big Brother" felt that the vital components of ‘truth' had changed.
Party stalwarts (like Winston Smith) were adamant in their beliefs. They all held the view that whatever frightens and subjugate the populace is a welcomed normality. As a result, they left no stone unturned in their bids to inflict large-scale terror. In order to consolidate the scary status quo, "Big Brothers" were everywhere. And, there were always unfortunate souls to be watched. The same goes with the so-called "Thought Police", which derives pleasure in penalizing both real and imaginary ‘treacherous thoughts' against the Party. The criteria used for ascertaining ‘treachery' and related ‘thought crimes' were ambiguous. In any instance, an ordinary presiding officer could perceive, interpret, prosecute, and punish such crimes in the name of the Party. And "offenders" are universally presumed guilty until proven innocent. There was nowhere to hide. The efficiency of the state is such that one could always run, but can never hide.
Yes, it is not everyday that narrative mutations happen: even in the fantasy world of fiction. So, it was inconceivable that the most loyal and the most fanatic faithful would change his spots. But it happened. It started-off gradually; then, what could be likened to an insurmountable momentum built-up. Winston Smith woke from his trance. He privately questioned his world—its modus operandi; and searched his heart and his soul. Even as he struggled to keep his conscience under check, he tried in vain to stop reality from unfolding. At last he accepted the fact that socio-political events must change; and along with it, the colossal status quo. But, he was not naïve about the might of his master—the state.
The erstwhile good cop, Winston, now busied his mind with every conceivable ‘thought crime' under the sun. He was jittery, but firmly believed in what he wants: which he also reckoned that the society needed. All his clandestine options amounted subversion. And his first task involved gauging the efficacy of "Big Brother's" latent omnipresence. It was a precarious assignment; and there would be no weakness.
The rest were stories. Experimental ventures! Involving a desire to feud with hopelessness!!
Well, for anyone interested in buying this book, note that there is a standalone mass-market paperback (with ISBN-13:978-8170262022), whose recommended retail price is $18.99. Ironically, there is also a hardcover version, which is in fact, full duo-bound versions of both "1984" and "Animal Farm". Oh yes! The two books together as one!! This better option, (with ISBN-13:978-0151010264), retails for between $15.99 and $23.99 (depending on where you shop).
VALENTINE ODUENYI.
