1984

Overrated doesn't begin to cover it.

It's the first time I've got around to 'reading' this highly acclaimed book and I have to say it was a huge disappointment.

Incredibly hard to get through, it's long winded-ness, lack of narrative and apparently pointless minutia had me bored to tears. There is no story.

Yes, it's a brilliant foretelling of the Big Brother state and wide spread surveillance but that's about as far as it goes. Don't expect engaging characters or a gripping story. There are literally hours where the character/narrator reads other books. One to tick off the 'books I should read' list but I'm at a loss as to this book's continued popularity.

29 people found this helpful

Timeless classic reflects today's politics.

The current restrictions on speech and orthodoxy across the West make this the perfect time to read this book.

24 people found this helpful

excellent narration.

the narrator was excellent I'm surprised I've not heard more from this guy. I'd like to hear him with Naresh some sci-fi

27 people found this helpful

Outstanding!

A superb book superbly read. Looking forward to another Orwell book hopefully read by the same narrator.

21 people found this helpful

Big Brother is watching you!

If you could sum up Nineteen Eighty-Four in three words, what would they be?

Insightful, Though invoking

Who was your favorite character and why?

There is only one favorite - Winston. Resolute despite adversity. I won't spoil what happens by adding my final thoughts on dear old Winston!

What does Andrew Wincott bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His vocal quality is perfect for this book! It suits the style and atmosphere of the book. Dark, mysterious and moody.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Big Brother is ALWAYS watching you!

Any additional comments?

1984 is a thought provoking look at what could be. The date may be long gone, but don't be fooled into thinking that George Orwell's prediction of what might be is long gone! This book has a whole new meaning in light of the Edward Snowden revelations on Mass Surveillance.
The characters are well written and fit perfectly into a descriptive and sterile world.

42 people found this helpful

Simply Brilliant.

What did you like most about Nineteen Eighty-Four?

This book is shockingly relevant, it resonates so strongly in the modern day. The poignancy of the story and the incredible way it is written makes it a must read for everyone.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Nineteen Eighty-Four?

The description of the Prole women fighting over the pots in the city, Winston believes the sound to be the sound of some kind of uprising only to find that it is simply the women fighting over cheap pots, this just struck me as horribly pertinent after the incidents of 'Black Friday. '

Which character – as performed by Andrew Wincott – was your favourite?

Possibly Obrien is my favourite character, its his harsh personality that really brings the strength to this novel in terms of its authenticity. He makes no attempt to glamourise the rebels enterprise, instead he reflects the frank truth of the matter that in order to effect any change they will have to be brutal and its not going to be easy.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was gripped all the way through this book, it was long and so I couldn't listen to it all at once- but I sure wanted to!

29 people found this helpful

Simply brilliant. Thoroughly thought provoking.

I really enjoyed this from beginning to end. The story holds up to the passage of time and is more unsettling than ever. The narrator does a fantastic job and creates a perfect flow. Highly recommend listening.

3 people found this helpful

A Prophetic look at modern 'Politics of Fear'...

If you could sum up Nineteen Eighty-Four in three words, what would they be?

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

What about Andrew Wincott’s performance did you like?

Very well read.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

This is a book everyone should read. It is almost impossible to imagine that it was written in the 1940's, as it is so amazingly accurate in relation to the kind of world we now live in, with the intrusive surveillance, the invasion of privacy, the never ending wars and the constant barrage of self-serving propaganda we are subjected to by our respective Governments. I read this book as a teenager and then listened to it again 30 years later as an audio book. It was only upon the second reading that I truly appreciated its true brilliance. It is one of the most spellbinding books I've ever read, Orwell was undoubtedly a genius and a prophet. If you look around, you can see all that he foretold...and more.

23 people found this helpful

Brilliant and timeless. Insightful, intelligent.

The author had an deep understanding of human nature and seemed to be familiar with concepts and technologies that were in their infancy. He put Leonardo Da Vinci's helicopter in the shade.

10 people found this helpful

Great stuff..

Andrew Wincott's well spoken yet haunting tone, richly captures Winston's story and elevates it to sound realistic, truthful and emotional in a world where 'reality', 'truth' and 'emotion' do not exist. Of course Orwell's writing is incredible and prophetic, all of this praise goes without saying. However, if you love this, then Down and Out in Paris and London is fantastic, and I would highly recommend it! I've read all of Orwell's works, but I've decided to go through the audio books while studying him again at uni to spice it up a bit, and the theatricality and voice acting really brings something new to each story! Homage to Catalonia next for me!
(One thing I will say was that Wincott's voice was quite slow, so I did speed it up to 1.5)

24 people found this helpful