Penguin Essentials: 1984

Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Renowned urban artist Shepard Faireys new look for Orwells dystopian masterpiece Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent – even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101. . . 1984 is George Orwells terrifying vision of a totalitarian future in which everything and everyone is slave to a tyrannical regime. Right up there among my favourite books … I read it again and again Margaret Atwood More relevant to today than almost any other book that you can think of Jo Brand