This is the summer you read…Animal Farm, book review

Animal Farm by George Orwell, originally published in 1945

Book review by Abigail T., volunteer intern

5/5 stars

Animal Farm is less than 100 pages in most editions, but it has more impact than most novels. In this political satire/warning, Animal Farm is a metaphor for the communist Soviet Union. Each of the animals are representative of specific people/social classes in the Soviet Union.

Orwell’s book provides insight and a unique perspective on the infamous communist era in Russia. Though the concept of a farm run by the animals living there seems silly, it actually creates a very unique story. Even though each character, action, and landmark represents something, it doesn’t make the book feel dense and difficult to read. Each metaphor is easily woven into the story’s architecture.

One of the most shocking parts of Animal Farm is the impact the story can have whilst still being straight forward and understandable. Anyone high school aged and beyond could pick up this novel and get something out of it.

Bookseller Notes:

• Orwell was a critic of Stalin, but he was also a democratic socialist

• This classic book is often banned and challenged in school settings around the U.S.

• Some interpretations see a broader message in the story about ideology in general; the book shows how systems of power—whatever the political tradition - can become problematic and lead to authoritarianism.