Animal Farm
by George Orwell

This is a book that takes a look, from a satirical point of view, at the rise and excesses of Communism in the former Soviet Union. Written from the point of view of animals in a farm, it starts with the 'vision' of a boar, Old Major, who dreams of a time when all animals are free from domination from humans and are equals.

Eventually, the animals revolt, driving out the farmer and setting up their own society. However, from the start, things slowly start to go wrong. The pigs set themselves up as leaders ('first among equals') and began to 'allocate work' to the rest of the animals. The Commandments set up just after the revolution began to be distorted and all questions on the leadership of the pigs or the commands handed down are swifly deflected by their spokeperson.

The parallels to the rise of Communism are obvious in this book. People who know something about the history of Communism will have no problems figuring out who represents Karl Marx, Stalin, the KGB, etc. However, even if you don't, or are not interested in finding parallels to Communism, the book is still an entertaining book to read. The gradual erosion of the initial ideals of the animal society, the rise to power of the pigs (unopposed by the other animals), and the eventual horror as the animals realise they have replaced one master with yet another are well written in this book.

Whether seen as just a story, or as a satire on Communism, this is a recommended and entertaining read.

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Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm
by George Orwell