1984 by George Orwell

“1984” is possibly the definitive dystopian novel, set in a world beyond our
imagining. A world where totalitarianism really is total, all power split into three roughly
equal groups--Eastasia, Eurasia, and Oceania. “1984” is set in Oceania, which includes
the United Kingdom, where the story is set, known as Airstrip One.

Winston Smith is a middle-aged, unhealthy character, based loosely on Orwell's

own frail body, an underling of the ruling oligarchy, The Party. The Party has taken early
20th century totalitarianism to new depths, with each person subjected to 24 hour
surveillance, where people's very thoughts are controlled to ensure purity of the
oligarchical system in place. Figurehead of the system is the omnipresent and omnipotent
Big Brother.

But Winston believes there is another way.

“1984” joins Winston as he sets about another day, where his job is to change
history by changing old newspaper records to match with the new truth as decided by the
Party.

"He who controls the past, controls the future" is a Party slogan to live by and
it gives Winston his job, but Winston cannot see it like that. Barely old enough to recall a
time when things were different, he sets out to expose the Party for the cynically
fraudulent organisation that it is. He is joined by Julia, a beautiful young woman much in
contrast with Winston physically, but equally sickened by the excesses of her rulers.

You will meet many recognisable characters, themes, and words which have
become part of our everyday life as you read “1984”. Where did Big Brother first appear?
Certainly not on Australian TV! Written in Orwell's inimitable journalistic style, “1984”
is a tribute to a man who saw the true dangers of historian Lord Acton's (1834-1902)
statement: "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."