Animal Farm

George Orwell

Genre

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of Sahil Lavingia's most recommended books.

Book Synopsis

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a timeless allegorical novella that explores the corruption of power through the lens of a seemingly harmless farmyard rebellion. Set on Manor Farm, the animals are tired of their mistreatment and exploitation by the human farmer, Mr. Jones. Led by the intelligent pigs, specifically Old Major and his successors Napoleon and Snowball, they overthrow their human oppressors and establish their own self-governing society.

Initially, the animals embrace the principles of Animalism, a set of commandments that promote equality and a fair distribution of resources. However, as time passes, the pigs gradually consolidate their power, eroding the egalitarian principles upon which the rebellion was founded. They rewrite the commandments to justify their increasing privileges and manipulate the other animals with propaganda and fear tactics.

The once unified and harmonious animal society is soon divided, with the pigs forming an elite ruling class. Napoleon, the devious and power-hungry pig, emerges as the self-proclaimed leader, eliminating any opposition to his rule. The hardworking and loyal horse Boxer becomes indoctrinated into blindly supporting the pigs, and his eventual tragic fate serves as a harrowing reminder of the harsh realities of totalitarianism.

As the pigs align themselves with humans, betraying their fellow animals, the original commandments are revised to a single maxim that exemplifies the pigs' hypocrisy: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." The once-revolutionary animal rebellion, now mirroring the tyranny it sought to escape, becomes indistinguishable from the human-dominated society it replaced.

"Animal Farm" serves as a cautionary tale, providing a stark and insightful critique of political corruption, abuse of power, and the dangers of blind obedience. With its timeless themes and memorable characters, Orwell's masterpiece continues to resonate with readers, highlighting the potential consequences of unchecked authority and the illusory nature of utopian ideals.

Explore More Books

See All
Machine Learning for Dummies
The Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug
Arctica
Something Incredibly Wonderful Happens
The History of Money
Triumph Of The City
The Transit of Venus
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Live Your Truth
The Story of Civilization: The Renaissance
The Economic Consequences of the Peace
A Short History of Financial Euphoria
The Sunday Philosophy Club
The Wealth of Nations
The Cost Disease
Rational Ritual
The Last Lecture
The Half-Life of Facts
Am I Being Too Subtle?
It's Garry Shandling's Book
The Fault in Our Stars
The Qur'an
Build The Life You Want
Right Thing, Right Now
The Gallic Wars
Means Of Ascent
The Warburgs
A Father First
Cosmos
The Dream Machine
Brute
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin
The New Leadership Literacies
No Bullshit Guide to Math and Physics
War Nerd
A Gentleman in Moscow
Tiny Habits
Warren Buffett
The Creative Society
Master Of The Game
Prime Movers of Globalization
Buddha's Brain
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Too Dumb to Fail
Leapfrog
The Grid
The Serengeti Rules
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Catching the Big Fish
The Ascent of Money
Game Engine Black Book
How To Buy Stocks
The Art of Manipulation
Food and Nutrition
The Quiet American
Four Quartets
Netflixed
Notes From an Apocalypse
Prisoners of Geography
Awareness
Astrophysics for People In a Hurry
The Dice Man
The Happiness Hypothesis
The Upside of Inequality
The Fountainhead
The Individualists
Beyond Religion
Good Night, Little Bear
The Rape of Nanking
The Road
The Magic Of Reality
Swarm Troopers
Flying Start
The Money Game
Misbehaving
Not Zero
Homo Deus
The Tycoons
The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy
Ultralight Backpackin' Tips
The Precariat
The Lives of the Artists
The Road to Serfdom
Life in the English Country House
Batman
Where Wizards Stay Up Late
Born Red
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Way of the Warrior Kid 3
Buffett
Napoleon
Play It Away
Stalin's War
For A New Liberty
Radical Acceptance
Competition Demystified
Who We Are and How We Got Here
Nine Pints
Civilisation
Army Of None