Animal Farm by George Orwell

*minor spoilers ahead*

George Orwell’s Animal Farm, published in 1945, is a short allegorical novel that uses a simple story to explore complex ideas about power, control, and corruption. Set on a farm where the animals overthrow their human owner, the book follows how their attempt to create an equal society slowly unravels as the pigs take control.

Orwell’s use of motifs gives the story much of its depth. For example, language becomes a tool of manipulation as the farm’s commandments are gradually altered to justify the pigs’ actions, showing how truth can be reshaped by those in power. Education is another recurring theme as the animals’ varying levels of literacy reflect how knowledge, or the lack of it, affects their ability to resist oppression. Through characters like Boxer, Orwell also examines loyalty and the cost of blind faith in authority. These scenes were particularly emotional and really honed in on the hypocrisy of the situations on Animal Farm.

‘All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.’ Pg 92

The writing is clear and straightforward, which makes the story accessible without losing its meaning. At less than 150 pages, it’s a concise read, but the deeper meaning reflects on political systems and human behaviour. The book’s allegory is direct, and Orwell’s clear parallels to the Russian Revolution and the rise of Communism make it easy to follow his critique of how power can corrupt ideals and how easily equality can become inequality.

I’d definitely recommend this book as it’s a very accessible classic and was not complicated or confusing to read. I enjoyed Orwell’s writing, and so I’m looking forward to reading 1984 to discover more of his work.

4/5 stars