Monday 31 August 2020
Heft and Weight : A Poem
Book Review of 'Selected Short Stories of Rabindranath Tagore.'
Sunday 30 August 2020
Book Review of 'Hiding', by Calle.J.Brookes
Blushing moon : A Poem
Friday 28 August 2020
Book Review of 'Malgudi Days' by R.K.Narayan
Book Review of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell
This is the most savage book I've read this year, in terms of its
symbolism. One must laud Orwell's sheer courage to have penned an obvious
satire to the state of politics in his country and the whole world. It is easy
to understand why so many publishers were loath to publish this explosive
classic.
There cannot be too many books, that showcase how gullible
commonfolk allow themselves to become scapegoats for the ruthlessly selfish
system of political elements. Animal Farm does just that, and more.
Narrative
The
language is simple, straight-forward and lucid. The events move along at a fast
pace and gain momentum to increase the growing tension in the readers' minds.
Storyline
Reading the book brought an old adage to mind, with a slight tweak
of my own :
Freedom means jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
It is brilliant of the writer to use various animals to symbolize
humans. There is one set of animals who sacrifice everything for the hope of a
better future that never arrives, and another set who uses them to maximum
advantage to secure their own. The characters reflect the thought processes,
characteristics and behavior of different classes of society. Moreover, the
showcase of mental manipulation that accompanies extraction of unethical
physical labour is showcased with utmost precision. One may even identify
certain specific characters from the host of public figures in the public arena
from the characters of Orwell's novel.
At the end, the predominant emotion would range from rage, pity
and frustration from the subjugated hapless lot of animals (read general
populace of countries) that are more pawns at the hands of cunning power.
Giving names to specific symbolic animals makes the read more
relatable. The sheer foolishness of blind faith of illiterate followers who
churn out more slavery in exchange for peanuts, only to be disposed off with
ruthless nonchalance is best showcased by the character of the horse Boxer.
'Napolean is right' and 'I must work harder' sums up the entire lives of most
of the working populace across the world.
To have chosen pigs to symbolize the educated upper classes that
fatten themselves with comfort, at the expense of hard lifetime toil of lower
classes, is Orwell's savagery at its best.
The glorified hogwash of oppression cannot be summed up better
than the final altered commandment :
All animals are equal
but some animals are more equal than others.
The book
reminded me of Bama's Karukku which although different in its basic tenets,
expressed the same theme of extreme oppression of lower strata of society.
Conclusion
Although the book was about Stalin, it rings true for many other
political figures around the world and this makes Orwell's Animal Farm a
timeless masterpiece.
I rate it 4.5 out of 5.
Hope my review added value to your reading journey. Do let me know
in the comments below.
Happy reading, stay safe, readers.
***
book photography:chethana