1984

New Classic Edition

By: George Orwell

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Blackstone Publishing presents a new recording of this immensely popular book.

One of the most celebrated classics of the twentieth century, Orwell’s cautionary tale of a man trapped under the gaze of an authoritarian state feels more relevant now than ever before.

George Orwell depicts a gray, totalitarian world dominated by Big Brother and its vast network of agents, including the Thought Police, a world in which news is manufactured according to the authorities’ will and people live tepid lives by rote.

Winston Smith, the hero with no heroic qualities, longs only for truth and decency. But living in a social system in which privacy does not exist and where those with unorthodox ideas are brainwashed or put to death, he knows there is no hope for him. He knows even as he continues to pursue his forbidden love affair that eventually he will come to destruction.

The year 1984 has come and gone, yet George Orwell’s nightmare vision in 1949 of the world we were becoming is still the great modern classic of negative Utopia. It is a prophetic and haunting tale that exposes the worst crimes imaginable: the destruction of freedom and truth.

©1949 Harcourt Brace and Company, renewed 1977 Sonia Brownell Orwell (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

• Nominee, 2008 Audie Award, Classic

"It is probable that no other work of this generation has made us desire freedom more earnestly or loathe tyranny with such fullness." (New York Times, 1949)

masterpiece

Every person in this Earth should read this book. simply essential to understand the message behind this "fiction"

A classic worth reading!

Though written in 1947, the concepts explored in this book are important to understanding and appreciating life today. Life is lived largely through the use and manipulation of language. The power inherent in a word is immense. Changes to the word such as it’s meaning, availability, and form result in altering its effect thus changing the conversation, purpose, and to a greater extent, the world in which we live in. Control of language in all forms and levels such as individual, social, and imposed control (such as parental or governmental) serve to dictate and shape our relationships and reality as a whole. Safeguarding the breath of words available and their various meanings when used in different situations is vital to maintain a link and understanding not only for current life but also for understanding and connecting with the past. The author is especially adept at arguing this point throughout the book. The reading of the book is well served by the narrator as his expert use of tone, pace, and inflection to bring the text to light while keeping a sense of hopeless oppression throughout is perfect for conveying the book’s overall character and important messages. Overall, this selection is well worth the time and credit invested. Highly recommended!

Interesting concept

It’s an interesting read, as usual in dystopian settings it’s seems as if people of color are nothing more than slaves. Why do, let’s just black people have to be placed in the roles as nothing more than slaves in many of these literary classics?

Brilliantly prophetic

Much like Fahrenheit 451,this novel brilliantly predicts the future, while also being a stern warning against blind nationalism which can lead to group think and totalitarian forms of communism. Wonderful work. I would give it five stars but the chapters that focus on the "book" of Goldstein are a bit Bland in content. Loved it anyway. Amazing.

Doubleplus Good

Amazing story. Gripping and dynamic delivery. Orwell was truly prophetic in his time when the technology of mass surveillance was merely theoretical. This is a must read for a generation born and raised in front of smart devices that - like Big brother- are always watching, and listening...

This book could be renamed, "2022"

Insane and terrifying how accurately this book describes today's democrats. Makes you wish they knew how to read.

Why didnt I read this sooner!

The concepts and thought process of this style of society was very interesting to follow and explore. Narrition was on point and I couldn't walk away from the story.

it's totally plausible... if not already underway.

not sure, is it actually a sign of our times... definitely not a way I want to live. thank God for democracy!

Loved it. Narrator was very colorful and kept my

Loved it. Narrator was very colorful and kept my interest. Seems 1984 can be now.

Definitely a must listen!

The overall premise of this novel is to be somewhat of a warning for the people who allow the government to continue to over reach in people's lives. Heed the warnings and lessons that it provides.