This book review was written by Brandon Sookoo of BCC High School
Animal Farm is an allegorical novella written by George Orwell. This exceptionally crafted book reveals what happens when one is presented with absolute power. It shows the ultimate transformation from revolution to dictatorship; The charisma dictators will use to entice followers and the military power that gives them full control.
The slight twist is Orwell uses farm animals to tell this story.
Animal Farm tells the story of the animals of the Manor Farm. Through the spark of a revolution, the animals fight back against the owner of the farm: Jones. Now, with complete freedom, the animals strive to create a society where all animals are equal and humans are not needed. This plot reflects the Stalin era of the Soviet Union.
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” -George Orwell, Animal Farm
The author, George Orwell, is a democratic socialist and a heavily known critic of Joseph Stalin. Stalin’s reign was characterized by terror and death, and Orwell wanted to denounce it. This attitude was heavily shaped by his involvement in the Spanish Civil war, which is when Orwell wrote his book. Animal Farm was written between 1943-1944 and published in 1946. The product was not just a book—it was a power move. Animal Farm was not published in many countries because of its underlying political message. However, it later became a commercial success that exposed Stalinism and the rotten state of Soviet Russia.
Animal Farm is a noteworthy book for Banned Books Week because its message is still relevant today. It shows how dictators were able to rise in power while supported by the masses. A concept that has happened in the past can resurface in the present and impact the future. Such a phenomenon is precisely why we must dig deeper into the political schemes of the book.
For instance, Orwell uses “The Seven Commandments” as a set of rules that are easily bent to the will of the pigs. The word “comrade” is used to create a sense of equality, and as a result, shows the manipulative tactics dictators use.
“And among us animals let there be perfect unity, perfect comradeship in the struggle. All men are enemies. All animals are comrades.” -George Orwell, Animal Farm
I read Animal Farm in seventh grade, and it has still been a favorite of mine. Historical fiction is always a genre I loved, but the way Orwell combines historical and literary elements creates a masterpiece. If you are interested in learning about the Stalinist Era of Soviet Russia or dictatorship in general, this is a perfect book for you. Readers who enjoyed 1984, Lord of the Flies, and Fahrenheit 451 should definitely give this book a try.
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