A review by aayjaysbookshelf
Animal Farm by George Orwell

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was looking forward to read this book ever since I read Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm lived up to its expectation. A timeless classic that explores the disastrous effect of totalitarianism, Animal Farm is a story simplifically told with deeper meanings. Orwell's writing is simple in narration, but effective in message. The story follows the Manor Farm which is like any other farm until a revolution happens and the farm owner, the human, is ousted by the farm animals and comes in its place an authority of the animals, a regime that is promised to be 'by the animals and for the animals'. As glittery and promising as it sounds, the plot soon thickens when corruption, greed and exploitation finds its way in, and through it is crafted a timeless story which is applicable to the world systems even today, maybe more relevant than ever before.  
What makes this book a classic is its relevance, and that is also the irony of it. Written originally in 1945 after the WWII, Orwell's observation and analysis is well reflected in this book which is also a commentary on the sociopolitical environment of that time, which remains valid to date. One can always rely on Orwell for a crisp, concise narration that leaves its imprint deeply. A masterpiece of dystopian literature that everyone should read, at least once in his life, if you want to understand the world and its systems better.