1984 George Orwell

One of George Orwell’s best-known works, 1984, is a dystopian novel published in 1949. It is written from the perspective of Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of ‘the Party` who is frustrated by the omnipresent eyes of the Party and its ominous ruler, Big Brother.

There is absolutely no freedom allowed to the people. From rewriting history and the present using a functional language called Newspeak’, to imprisoning and torturing people for Thoughtcrimes; Big Brother is omnipresent and all-powerful.

The themes of mass totalitarianism and government surveillance are explored in this dark and disturbing story. When Smith manages to find love with Julia, they begin to feel like they have hoodwinked the all-seeing eyes until they are suddenly and ruthlessly captured and taken to Room 101-a fate feared by all.

Will Smith survive the torture? Will his rebellion be crushed? Will he and Julia ever reunite?