Helpful Score: 5
Fantastic, quick read and one of those books everyone "should" read at some point. Orwell makes you think and it really is spooky how some of the themes in this book echo what is going on in the world today.
Helpful Score: 4
An excellent comment on human and political relations. Quick read, too!
Helpful Score: 2
One of my all time favorite books. A great read and a bit 'scary" to think that it was written 80 years ago and yet is so contemporary in the 21st century.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this in high school but got so much more out of it when I read it a few years ago.
"A farm is taken over by its overworked, mistreated animals. With flaming idealism and stirring slogans, they set out to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality. Thus the stage is set for one of the most telling satiric fables ever penned--a razor-edged fairy tale for grown ups that records the evolution from revolution against tyranny to a totalitarianism just as terrible. When Animal Farm was first published fifty years ago, Stalinest Russia was seen as its target. Today it is devastatingly clear that wherever and whenever freedom is attacked, under whatever banner, the cutting clarity and savage comedy of George Orwell's masterpiece has a meaning and message still ferociously fresh."
"A farm is taken over by its overworked, mistreated animals. With flaming idealism and stirring slogans, they set out to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality. Thus the stage is set for one of the most telling satiric fables ever penned--a razor-edged fairy tale for grown ups that records the evolution from revolution against tyranny to a totalitarianism just as terrible. When Animal Farm was first published fifty years ago, Stalinest Russia was seen as its target. Today it is devastatingly clear that wherever and whenever freedom is attacked, under whatever banner, the cutting clarity and savage comedy of George Orwell's masterpiece has a meaning and message still ferociously fresh."
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of Orwell's finest works. Small book, great for travel, but you will finish before you know it. Excellent work.
Helpful Score: 1
An easier read than 1984, but just as disturbing at the end. Either way, Big Brother is out to get us!
Helpful Score: 1
What a great read! The book really helps to give an understanding of idealism and totalitarianism.
Helpful Score: 1
A classic, short and a strong message.
Helpful Score: 1
What can one say?
American congress contemplating the nationalization of US banks...
US Constitution "over" as was declared by Democrats during the election...
Possee comitatus law suspended...
US military troops in action on US soil...
If you are dismayed and wonder what happened, this might be the book for you.
And then check out Orwell's other title, 1984.
Up is down, down is up, and if you don't think so, you'll be sent to re-education camp.
Remind anyone of the gulags, USSR, bad old days---in Eastern Europe.
Welcome to the New World Order.
American congress contemplating the nationalization of US banks...
US Constitution "over" as was declared by Democrats during the election...
Possee comitatus law suspended...
US military troops in action on US soil...
If you are dismayed and wonder what happened, this might be the book for you.
And then check out Orwell's other title, 1984.
Up is down, down is up, and if you don't think so, you'll be sent to re-education camp.
Remind anyone of the gulags, USSR, bad old days---in Eastern Europe.
Welcome to the New World Order.
I read this in my 9th grade Lit class a few years back. I really enjoyed the book, unlike some of my classmates.
This book has been described as a masterpiece.. a view of the future. A devastating attack on the pig-headed gluttonous and avaricious rulers in an imaginary totalitatian state. It illuminates the range of human experience from love to hate, from comedy to tradegy.
This is a classic that I had been meaning to read for years. Orwell uses animals on a farm as an allegory for slavery, and as the animals become self-governing, you realize they are not much better off -- although many of the animals think they are in a much better situation.
If you are looking for a fairy tale ending, you'll want to skip this; it is dark and a little depressing. However, if you want something to make you think about human interactions and our perceptions, this book has stood the test of time for a reason. The book is well written, although some of the primary characters are quite 1-dimenensional (on purpose), and the book moves along at a nice pace.
This is definitely one to read twice to pick up some of the nuances.
If you are looking for a fairy tale ending, you'll want to skip this; it is dark and a little depressing. However, if you want something to make you think about human interactions and our perceptions, this book has stood the test of time for a reason. The book is well written, although some of the primary characters are quite 1-dimenensional (on purpose), and the book moves along at a nice pace.
This is definitely one to read twice to pick up some of the nuances.
This is a classic - published in 1946 - this is an original version of this book.
Powerful fable. The edition includes some helpful insight into Orwell's perspectives and experience as well: committed socialist who was disillusioned with the way the Soviets played communism out. It is well worth reading as a reminder of the fallibility of people in power.
This is a "yesterday" book which is so pertinent to "today's issues". It describes the cycles of history:
oppression, revolution, freedom, prosperity, apathy, and back to tyranny and oppression. Very educational!
oppression, revolution, freedom, prosperity, apathy, and back to tyranny and oppression. Very educational!
From the first page, I was hooked. It was an enjoyable plot all the way through. I think it's entertaining whether or not you are familiar with the Russian Revolution or not but it helps to compare them for more added effect. It's very short and easy to read. In my opinion, it's a must read. I've even ordered 1984 because I would like to read more George Orwell.
This is a classic whose message still holds true today. Gir anyone that has never read this book, you need to read it and you will enjoy it.
Who knew a story about farm animals could be so layered?
Animal Farm is fantastic- one of the books that we are required to read in school that is actually a joy. The commentary it creates on societies and totalitarianism is phenomenal. So much going on in this small book, you will need multiple reads. Every year or two I read it again and find new tidbits to pull out of its labyrinth of hidden meaning.
A book that holds up decades after it was written. If you enjoy this one, also read Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World". Both classics offer new views on a very current subject.
Animal Farm is fantastic- one of the books that we are required to read in school that is actually a joy. The commentary it creates on societies and totalitarianism is phenomenal. So much going on in this small book, you will need multiple reads. Every year or two I read it again and find new tidbits to pull out of its labyrinth of hidden meaning.
A book that holds up decades after it was written. If you enjoy this one, also read Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World". Both classics offer new views on a very current subject.
good book - being a child of the cold war it probably wasn't as shocking as it was to the original audience.
This book has been on my "to read" list for a while. A satire of Orwell's opinion on totalitarianism, particularly on Stalin's rule, it was an interesting read.
When the animals at the Manor Farm decide to have a rebellion and overthrow the humans things are good for a while. But when a stubborn pig named Napoleon takes over, things take a turn for the worse. The animals are turned into the slaves of the pigs, yet are constantly reminded how things are better for them now then under oppressive human rule.
This was a very quick read and also entertaining. It was actually very hard to put down, which surprised me. I was totally concerned about what was going to happen to the animals under Napoleon's rule. This is a very good read and points out a lot of problems with past and modern political systems. It details the evil of being politically ignorant in a humorous but very effective way. I was impressed with how convincing Napoleon's arguments to the animals were, from the outside it looks silly, but from the animals' perspective Napoleon seemed more reasonable than he should have.
This book teaches something that I think a lot of us are aware of from history, but it does it in a wonderfully engaging and humorous way. I was surprised at how easy to read and well-written this book was; it is a book that has aged well and will apply pretty much forever.
Overall I am glad I read it. I recommend that everyone pick up this book and give it a read through. It is a quick read and is something that will stick with you; a great cautionary tale about how government can lull the populace into submission while taking advantage of them.
When the animals at the Manor Farm decide to have a rebellion and overthrow the humans things are good for a while. But when a stubborn pig named Napoleon takes over, things take a turn for the worse. The animals are turned into the slaves of the pigs, yet are constantly reminded how things are better for them now then under oppressive human rule.
This was a very quick read and also entertaining. It was actually very hard to put down, which surprised me. I was totally concerned about what was going to happen to the animals under Napoleon's rule. This is a very good read and points out a lot of problems with past and modern political systems. It details the evil of being politically ignorant in a humorous but very effective way. I was impressed with how convincing Napoleon's arguments to the animals were, from the outside it looks silly, but from the animals' perspective Napoleon seemed more reasonable than he should have.
This book teaches something that I think a lot of us are aware of from history, but it does it in a wonderfully engaging and humorous way. I was surprised at how easy to read and well-written this book was; it is a book that has aged well and will apply pretty much forever.
Overall I am glad I read it. I recommend that everyone pick up this book and give it a read through. It is a quick read and is something that will stick with you; a great cautionary tale about how government can lull the populace into submission while taking advantage of them.
A farm is taken over by its overworked, mistreated animals. With flaming idealism and stirring slogans, they set out to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality. Thus the stage is set for one of the most telling satiric fables ever penned--a razor-edged fairy tale for grown-ups that records the evolution from revolution against tyranny to a totalitarianism just as terrible. When Animal Farm was first published, Stalinist Russia was seen as its target. Today it is devastatingly clear that wherever and whenever freedom is attacked, under whatever banner, the cutting clarity and savage comedy of George Orwell's masterpiece have a meaning and message still ferociously fresh.
"A wise, compassionate, and illuminating fable for our times."--New York Times
"A wise, compassionate, and illuminating fable for our times."--New York Times
A favorite of mine from 8th grade and now my daughter is reading it and loving it also.
If you havent read Animal Farm i highly recommend. Its a book that can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Younger folk would get a kick out of the animal antics. Adults will immediately draw the parrallels between Animal Farm and historical accounts of revolutions past and would be champions turned totalitarians.
I cant help but associate the Castro revolution with this story. It just seems so fitting.
I cant help but associate the Castro revolution with this story. It just seems so fitting.
Recently read again,very good! Applies today much as when it was written although different countries are the model today
this is a 1946 copy
I was actually rather impressed with this book. It has an interesting characters and an interesting plot. To me, however, the best part was the underlying historical significance of the Russian revolution and the beginning of Communism. The story itself with the main characters being animals is a little awkward, by still good nonetheless.
A good read.
A good read.
Great allegory of Russia's Communist Revolution. Pretty bleak ending, but that was the point.
A masterpiece of satire on power's dangers; speaks nore today, perhaps, than ever.
Hillarious! Uses a story of animals to show how Communism was bound to fail.
This is a great old classic. I like to reread it once a year or so.
Wonderful book! Very interesting!
This is a must-read!
This remarkable book has been described in many ways as a masterpiece...a fairy story ...a brilliant satire...a frightening view of the future. A devastating attack on the pig-headed, gluttonous and avaricious rulers in an imaginary totalitarian state, it illuminates the range of human experience from love to have, from comedy to tragedy.
We studied this book in my lit class junior year, I absolutely loved it. It's not something I would have picked up on my own, but I'm really glad it was on our required reading list.
Pretty good read. In my opinion, it loses some of edge considering Communism is the least of the World's concerns nowadays. Still, if you're interested in a political satire, I definitely recommend this book.
One of my favorite reads of all time.
A modern classic.
Introduction by C. M. Wodehouse.
This book is a fast, enjoyable read. The story is very simple but the message is riveting. Orwell, with the use of barn yard animals, reveals the ruthlessness and control of the communist government. It shows us how powerful leaders can stir up the people to blindly follow them and how people fail to think for themselves. I would highly recommend reading this book as it still has a relevant message even for today.
1946 copywright but orwell hasn't changed
George Orwell's masterpiece! A must read and a classic for our times.
Read this way back in junior high and just reread it again. Very interesting the way that farm gets transformed "for the better".
I get it as political commentary, and some of it was rather funny, such as the way that the commandments were slyly altered. I also give it points for being short and to the point. But this is one to read for education rather than entertainment, I feel, and since I am aiming for the latter these days, this only gets 2 stars from me.
I really respect how well this allegory was made. I even understood it back in high school! I usually hate when animals talk and it's a big farm family, but the story is good enough that I can ignore that. Also, maybe it's just me, but I was scared reading this book. haha. I imagined pigs coming to attack me, but wtv....I was like 15. It's easy to read and just a great example of the genre
A required "read" for high schoolers. A great classic.
Having read almost all or George Orwells works, I find that ANIMAL FARM really shows what the HUMAN animal does to his fellows. I find myself quoting this book when discussing politics and the state of the human existance. This book is short enough that even those with short attention spans could finish it.
an allegory of Stalin's regime. one of my favorite books. the ending was a little disturbing, yet likable.
Great book. That's where we are headed if we are not careful. Things happened one thing at a time.
It is truly astounding how Orwell managed to predict George W. Bush's "tax cuts for the rich" when writing this book about 80 years ago!!
An interesting satire on the way people are controlled by governments and others who want power, with human traits exhibited by animals.
Awesome in its simplicity & truth.
An interesting farm!
I read this book when I was in High School about 3yrs ago, so I may be a little rusty on the subject. I remember the just of it though. It was okay, I guess. I had rather watch the movie more so then read the book. If you watched Babe or something similiar to Babe then that is pretty much the book. There is also a movie called Animal Farm if I'm not mistaken. If you love animals and like them running things then this book is definitely for you=)
