This book (the same copy as the one photographed on the left) was recommended to me and kindly lent by my dear friend, Sola Lutringer. I’m glad he did because I otherwise would have waited another few years to read this thought-provoking novella. This is a satire based on the Russian revolution. Written by George Orwell in a simple, easy-to-read style, is about a group of animals. Enslaved by mankind, the animals of Manor Farm are dissatisfied with the ways the humans treat them (abuse, not feeding them on time, etc.), starting a revolution; however, as one may expect, once they start governing themselves, some similar issues arise from the human-governed days. Throughout the story, you see the animals representing different types of people (the power hungry, innocent, studious, hardworking, etc.) we come across on an everyday basis, almost forgetting the abnormality of this plot. The novella deals with powerful themes and messages, especially how corruption can easily result from having too much power, and forces you to critically think about the relationship between Fear and Power. Interested in classic literature or not, everyone should read this socio-political book as I wish I would have read this sooner. I give this book an 8/10 and hope to read more of Orwell’s oeuvre.
Fun fact about this copy: The cover art is done by the Shepard Fairey, the founder of OBEY clothing, popular in the skate scene in the US.