1984 by George Orwell. His final book, written in 1949. It was a futuristic tale for its time and has proven to be semi prophetic.
The main character Winston has his day regimented from the moment he wakes. Always under the watchful eye of Big Brother. He fears being found out by the Thought Police. He knows something is amiss with the status quo but he can not quite explain it. Things soon change for him when he locks eyes with O’Brien after the 2 minutes of hate session, and thinks he has an ally. He also finds love with a women who he recently despised and fantasized murdering. Winston was wrong about O’Brien and is arrested by the Thought Police. Winston is tortured for an undetermined amount of time but he finally gets his mind right. The book ends with Winston saying he loves Big Brother.
Analysis
This is a depressing read in the “Free World” and more so while in prison. I relate the thought police to other inmates. Stepping out of line or having an original thought can get you killed. I said the book was semi prophetic because cameras are everywhere in today’s society (except here at Garza West) and people carry Big Brother in their pockets. The book described war as intentional for the purpose of wasting resources. As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom I found that extremely accurate. “1984” is well written but it takes the reader to a dark place and the hero loses in the end. It’s a must read.
