Customer Reviews:
More Profound in 2010 American Obamaland
Having read this book 45 years ago I now see it is far more profound today in 2010 America than in the 1940's. Sitting securely in a free market Capitalist United States in the 60's, I merely enjoyed this book and thought to myself "Thank God this could NEVER happen in America". Back then I was glad our limited government (although growing too big) was keeping an eye out for monopolies and other sins of capitalism but they kept out of the way of free-market enterprise and the entrepreneurship of the average citizen. I trusted politicians back then to keep the peace and HELP the country's private sector and big business produce wealth for private use and distribution etc., you know, capitalism that made this country so great. Yes, I was taught the constitution in school and became very proud of the American way and her founders.

Today everything has changed in America and this book describes exactly what is happening in this country just without Orwell even being alive to appreciate how right he was. The sad thing is this: Orwell (a devout democratic socialist) died believing that he had simply, and masterfully shown in his book what happened to the Soviet Union under "uniquely" corrupt leaders, Stalin, Lenin and Marx; i.e. trying to say that IF only socialism were done "correctly" it was the best system. BUT because those three men were uniquely corrupt men, then socialism lead (unnecessarily) to Totalitarianism. Orwell truly believed however that if not for "them" (they were unique, and not representative of 'all' men) everything about socialism and communism would have worked out fine.

Scholars argue that Orwell's book is really a great defense of capitalism, just quite unintended to be by the author. It is a defense of capitalism in a back-handed sort of way, But Orwell clearly thought that he was just sending a warning to socialists like himself to be careful not to let this happen. The beauty of the book is that it really does describe what will happen when capitalism is replaced with socialism. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely - however this is not "unique" to some men but all men. Unfortunately Orwell is clearly blind to the facts of historical reality. He has religous faith in his own concepts.

The great lesson of this book (Capitalism is better than Socialism) is obfuscated by the (early in the book) characterization of the capitalists as "Alcoholics". This is, by the way, how we know that Orwell despised capitalism and establishes beyond doubt he hates the free market system. He in no way advocates for the American way, he is quite anti-American to be sure. He very unceremoniously dismisses all capitalists in one prejudiced swipe of the brush stroke "alcoholic". Hardly a fair treatment of such a complex system and one so historically successful. None-the-less THE ingenious question that this book will cause every reader to ask themselves is this: Do you think all men are corrupt and need policing, or only some? Orwell answers himself and says "only some". He never gave up his position on the potential ability of socialism to create Utopia. He simply believed IF the right men were in charge then Utopia would last.

Since historical fact shows inevitably all socialist systems (Utopia) lead to totalitarianism (Dystopia) the book falls short of greatness. History shows it is not just some but all men will devolve into their lowest form when left unchecked. By creating a capitalist straw-man then burning it down so easily he belies his bias and shows his colors. Too bad Orwell, you shouldn't have done that, it's intellectually lazy and actually makes his book very much like the character "Squealer", the propagandist.

Finally the characters in this book remind me of current politicians and organizations: Obama - "Old Major" and Harry Reid - "Napolean" and Pelosi - "Snowball" and MSNBC - "Squealer"

I highly reccomend this book to both Conservatives and Progressives alike and challenge someone to write a book that treats the Capitalists fairly and displays how the U.S. Constitution was designed to police free-market capitalism. America's government worked effectively as a small police force until progressiveism infiltrated and now brings in socialism. Orwell got everything right except that. Insanity is doing the same thing again and expecting a different result.

Daughter's book report
Got this book for my daughter's book report. She says it's better than Jane Eyre!!

True Masterpiece of English Literature
Somehow, I never had to read this book in school and just finally got around to reading it. I surprised how short the book was (it can be read in one sitting) and how clear and lucid the writing was. It is a very fast paced story that is really fun to read. Despite its relative brevity, the allusions and allegory are very deep and thought provoking. The lessons drawn from this book are still applicable today. A must read for everyone.

a must have
if you know anything about how wrong socialism and communism are, or even if you don't this book is a staple you have to read it to know anything

This book...
causes you to appreciate your freedoms and realize what could very easily happen if you don't.

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