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Beasts of England
Manor Farm has reinvented itself as the South of England's premium petting zoo. Now, instead of a working farm, humans and beasts alike are invited (for a small fee) to come and stroke, fondle, and take rides on the farm's inhabitants.
But life is not a bed of roses for the animals, in spite of what their leaders may want them to believe. Elections are rigged, the community is beset by factions, and sacred mottos are being constantly updated. The Farm is descending into chaos. What's more, a mysterious ‘illness' has started ripping through the animals, killing them one by one…
In Beasts of England, Adam Biles honours, updates and subverts George Orwell's classic, all the while channelling the chaotic, fragmentary nature of populist politics in the Internet age into a savage farmyard satire.
But life is not a bed of roses for the animals, in spite of what their leaders may want them to believe. Elections are rigged, the community is beset by factions, and sacred mottos are being constantly updated. The Farm is descending into chaos. What's more, a mysterious ‘illness' has started ripping through the animals, killing them one by one…
In Beasts of England, Adam Biles honours, updates and subverts George Orwell's classic, all the while channelling the chaotic, fragmentary nature of populist politics in the Internet age into a savage farmyard satire.
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First published September 1, 2023
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About the author
Adam Biles
7 books14 followersAdam is the author of Grey Cats, which was runner-up in the inaugural Paris Literary Prize in 2011, and published by 3:AM Press in 2012. His short stories, poetry and translations have been published in journals including 3:AM Magazine, Vestoj, and Chimera, as well as being displayed in the Palais de Tokyo. In May 2012, his ficto-essay The Deep was published in a bilingual edition by Editions de la Houle, a new Belgian house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 3, 2023
Surely given that vile murder and the return of the dogs, and the spreading of the Wufflu, and the madness with the Manor Beast lists, and Rocky, sad the slaughter at the chicken coop, and the chaos the starlings were wreaking, and the destruction of the dormouse nest, and the mad project to unearth Sugarcandy Mountain... And surely, gilen the fact that Jumbo was a liar and a cheat who stood for anything a First Beast should despise... Surely, given all this, the animals of Manor Farm - who were, despite everything, still surely reasonable creatures - had only one choice in the Choozin tomorrow.
Beasts of England is Adam Biles' unofficial sequel to Animal Farm, set some years later with only one character left from the previous novel (no prizes for guessing who given he reminded us in Orwell's novel that 'none of you have even seen a dead donkey'). Manor Farm is still under the control of the animals, but now a Petting Zoo, and a member of the WUF (Wealden Union of Farmers), an alliance of Sussex farms. The famous motto has also evolved to a third iteration:
All animals are equal
All animals are equal but some are more equal than others
All animals areequal but some are more equal than others
This is largely an update of Animal Farm from Orwell's focus on Soviet communism to the era of modern British politics, taking in the end of New Labour, Brexit (the mention of the WUF on page 1 makes it obvious where that's heading), populism (Jumbo the pig a crude caricature of Boris), Corbyn (as Gumble’s Yard pointed out to me and I’d missed) and social media, represented by a flock of starlings, who at first seem to function as an effective fourth estate before they become malign (social media bot farms represented by mechanical birds):
The marchers were exuberant. Even those who had lived in fear of the starlings since their arrival allowed themselves to wonder whether a new day had come to Manor Farm, an era in which the pigs and dogs could be held to account not only by other pigs and dogs, but by the coordinated effort of hundreds of the farm's tiniest and seemingly most insignificant creatures.
Some of the links to modern day politics are more general, and others very direct. The Wufflu (a rather unfortunate name) at the heart of the novel's plot is not a nod to Covid but rather is a replication of BSE, which even comes with a John Selwyn Gummer moment.
The reader would be well advised to read, or re-read, Animal Farm before this as the links are strong. At one point one of the characters, Cassie (who the reader recognises some time before she does as Benjamin's daughter) discovers Orwell's novel:
This book, by the human with the name of a river, told the story of Manor Farm at the time of the Great Rebellion. There were parts that were familiar to Cassie, and others that were entirely new. She had always thought a straight line could be traced from the Rebellion, to the founding of the droves and the First Choozin, and to the prosperous, free, if troubled, Manor Farm they all knew today. But if this book was to be believed that was not the case at all. The animals' freedom had been fought for, bloodily. Then betrayed. Then lost.
This novel of course takes its title from Old Major's song that launched the rebellion in Animal Farm, and which he claimed was an old song that came back to him in a dream. Here Benjamin claims it was largely invented by Old Major, or at least misremembered to fit his wishes, and, in one of the novel's cleverer links with the original, the largely forgotten words of Beasts of England are deliberately misquoted to suit the needs of the new populists - a corruption of a corruption per Benjamin. So for example in a rallying cry to Mexit from the WEF:
Rings shall vanish from our noses,
And the harness from our back,
Bit and spur shall rust forever,
Cruel whips no more shall crack.
becomes
Rings shall vanish from our noses,
Cruel whips no more shall crack
Free to pursue our endeavours
Free from rules holding us back!
There were two issues that were negatives for me but may not be so for other readers.
Firstly, Orwell was a democratic socialist, who had volunteered in Spain for the Republican army. The novel's ire was reserved for totalitarianism and, for me, made all the more powerful by Orwell's anger at its corruption of the ideals of socialism. But here Biles is aiming at targets - e.g. Brexit - with which he has a rather different relationship - and there's no satire really aimed at the WUF, which appears to be an entirely benign if somewhat powerless entity.
Secondly, Animal Farm is a wonderfully compact novel, a fable, and as Orwell biographer Jeffrey Meyers has written, "virtually every detail has political significance in this allegory". Biles novel not only packs in more political references but also introduces more general plot and anthropomorphic 'human' interest in the animals, with, in particular, the aforementioned Cassie and Martha, an orphaned goose, developed as characters. Which ultimately makes for a book that's longer and less successful as an allegory, although more so as a story.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3, but I suspect others may have less concern with either of my points. In particular, and on the positive side, this is a more moving novel than Orwell's.
Beasts of England is Adam Biles' unofficial sequel to Animal Farm, set some years later with only one character left from the previous novel (no prizes for guessing who given he reminded us in Orwell's novel that 'none of you have even seen a dead donkey'). Manor Farm is still under the control of the animals, but now a Petting Zoo, and a member of the WUF (Wealden Union of Farmers), an alliance of Sussex farms. The famous motto has also evolved to a third iteration:
All animals are equal
All animals are equal but some are more equal than others
All animals are
This is largely an update of Animal Farm from Orwell's focus on Soviet communism to the era of modern British politics, taking in the end of New Labour, Brexit (the mention of the WUF on page 1 makes it obvious where that's heading), populism (Jumbo the pig a crude caricature of Boris), Corbyn (as Gumble’s Yard pointed out to me and I’d missed) and social media, represented by a flock of starlings, who at first seem to function as an effective fourth estate before they become malign (social media bot farms represented by mechanical birds):
The marchers were exuberant. Even those who had lived in fear of the starlings since their arrival allowed themselves to wonder whether a new day had come to Manor Farm, an era in which the pigs and dogs could be held to account not only by other pigs and dogs, but by the coordinated effort of hundreds of the farm's tiniest and seemingly most insignificant creatures.
Some of the links to modern day politics are more general, and others very direct. The Wufflu (a rather unfortunate name) at the heart of the novel's plot is not a nod to Covid but rather is a replication of BSE, which even comes with a John Selwyn Gummer moment.
The reader would be well advised to read, or re-read, Animal Farm before this as the links are strong. At one point one of the characters, Cassie (who the reader recognises some time before she does as Benjamin's daughter) discovers Orwell's novel:
This book, by the human with the name of a river, told the story of Manor Farm at the time of the Great Rebellion. There were parts that were familiar to Cassie, and others that were entirely new. She had always thought a straight line could be traced from the Rebellion, to the founding of the droves and the First Choozin, and to the prosperous, free, if troubled, Manor Farm they all knew today. But if this book was to be believed that was not the case at all. The animals' freedom had been fought for, bloodily. Then betrayed. Then lost.
This novel of course takes its title from Old Major's song that launched the rebellion in Animal Farm, and which he claimed was an old song that came back to him in a dream. Here Benjamin claims it was largely invented by Old Major, or at least misremembered to fit his wishes, and, in one of the novel's cleverer links with the original, the largely forgotten words of Beasts of England are deliberately misquoted to suit the needs of the new populists - a corruption of a corruption per Benjamin. So for example in a rallying cry to Mexit from the WEF:
Rings shall vanish from our noses,
And the harness from our back,
Bit and spur shall rust forever,
Cruel whips no more shall crack.
becomes
Rings shall vanish from our noses,
Cruel whips no more shall crack
Free to pursue our endeavours
Free from rules holding us back!
There were two issues that were negatives for me but may not be so for other readers.
Firstly, Orwell was a democratic socialist, who had volunteered in Spain for the Republican army. The novel's ire was reserved for totalitarianism and, for me, made all the more powerful by Orwell's anger at its corruption of the ideals of socialism. But here Biles is aiming at targets - e.g. Brexit - with which he has a rather different relationship - and there's no satire really aimed at the WUF, which appears to be an entirely benign if somewhat powerless entity.
Secondly, Animal Farm is a wonderfully compact novel, a fable, and as Orwell biographer Jeffrey Meyers has written, "virtually every detail has political significance in this allegory". Biles novel not only packs in more political references but also introduces more general plot and anthropomorphic 'human' interest in the animals, with, in particular, the aforementioned Cassie and Martha, an orphaned goose, developed as characters. Which ultimately makes for a book that's longer and less successful as an allegory, although more so as a story.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3, but I suspect others may have less concern with either of my points. In particular, and on the positive side, this is a more moving novel than Orwell's.
October 12, 2023
Adam Biles—French translator, podcaster, and novelist—burped onto the scene with Feeding Time, a wild and unhinged black comedy inspired by the work of B.S. Johnson, particularly the typographically innovative House Mother Normal, which used sparse prose and blank space to chilling effect in the tale of a murderous attendant in a nursing home. His latest is an ambitious reconceiving of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the allegory reworked to the populist present, mirroring the last ten years in British politics in particular. Taking on Orwell—whether through sequels or homages—can be an ill-advised task. The last novel to plop itself on Manor Farm was David Caute’s Dr. Orwell and Mr. Blair, a fictionalised account of Orwell’s stay at the farm that provided the inspiration for his blockbuster swipe at Stalinist tyranny. Anthony Burgess’s 1985 was less successful—a strange right-wing revision of 1984, where Britain is transformed into TUCland, a terrifying artless dystopia where trade unions are the true oppressors.
Anyone familiar with contemporary UK politics will speedily recognise the events being allegorised in Beasts of England—all farmyard life is here, from the tubthumping attack-dog populists (Nigel Farage—a violent mutt named John-Bully), to the lying rabble-rousers promising the moon on a stick (Boris Johnson—a porker named Jumbo), to the upheaval of Brexit (Britain leaving the European Union—the Wealden Union of Farmers) to the appearance of the Covid pandemic (the unfortunately named Wufflu). The cumulative crowbarring of these political hot topics and the occasionally eye-rolling monikers (terriers named Dunning & Kruger, a goose named Haw-Haw), means, as entertaining as the mild-mannered comedy is, the novel becomes an exercise in truffling out parallels and references to the now, rather than pondering the broader points about how swiftly our comforts and freedoms can be ripped from us. Masking well-known recent events in farmyard allegory form means the universality of Orwell’s original is not mirrored—not least as the outcome of the novel is heavily telegraphed by the events being allegorised.
Satirists in the post-truth era have struggled to ridicule politicians whose absence of shame or self-awareness make them self-satirising entities, impossible to humiliate into oblivion with the hot poker of withering wit. Biles’s approach, while infinitely more subtle a satirical depth charge than a Twitter comedian impersonating the babble of a vapid Tory politician in a viral video, serves merely as a farmyard précis of the zeitgeist strained through an Orwell homage. The strongest parts of the novel are found in the homage—as with Feeding Time, the intertextual tips-of-the-hat are artfully done and pleasurable for those familiar with the source—while underpinning the antics themselves is a quiet voice muttering “yeah, tell us something we don’t already know.”
Anyone familiar with contemporary UK politics will speedily recognise the events being allegorised in Beasts of England—all farmyard life is here, from the tubthumping attack-dog populists (Nigel Farage—a violent mutt named John-Bully), to the lying rabble-rousers promising the moon on a stick (Boris Johnson—a porker named Jumbo), to the upheaval of Brexit (Britain leaving the European Union—the Wealden Union of Farmers) to the appearance of the Covid pandemic (the unfortunately named Wufflu). The cumulative crowbarring of these political hot topics and the occasionally eye-rolling monikers (terriers named Dunning & Kruger, a goose named Haw-Haw), means, as entertaining as the mild-mannered comedy is, the novel becomes an exercise in truffling out parallels and references to the now, rather than pondering the broader points about how swiftly our comforts and freedoms can be ripped from us. Masking well-known recent events in farmyard allegory form means the universality of Orwell’s original is not mirrored—not least as the outcome of the novel is heavily telegraphed by the events being allegorised.
Satirists in the post-truth era have struggled to ridicule politicians whose absence of shame or self-awareness make them self-satirising entities, impossible to humiliate into oblivion with the hot poker of withering wit. Biles’s approach, while infinitely more subtle a satirical depth charge than a Twitter comedian impersonating the babble of a vapid Tory politician in a viral video, serves merely as a farmyard précis of the zeitgeist strained through an Orwell homage. The strongest parts of the novel are found in the homage—as with Feeding Time, the intertextual tips-of-the-hat are artfully done and pleasurable for those familiar with the source—while underpinning the antics themselves is a quiet voice muttering “yeah, tell us something we don’t already know.”
January 22, 2024
I feel Beasts of England was a fun romp, for the most part. I'm a tiny bit queasy about the idea of updating a classic novel, but I can see the appeal and I don't think it's unacceptable if done well. Beasts of England, reading it a coupla years after it was released I think, feels a little too stuck in the contemporary. It takes aim at populism and responses to Covid and current political figures. I have to say though, it does this well. It is funny and does seem to capture the essence of recent events well. Animal Farm, by contrast, feels timeless. We don't know yet but I think Stalin will be remembered a lot longer than Nigel Farage will be! Overall, though, great to see some political satire being written and I enjoyed it.
January 31, 2024
3.5
one of my favorite book ever is animal farm so i was beyond excited when i saw this and my hopes were really high when i started reading it
the commentary and parallelism is absolutely insane - to the point where i had to stop reading to reflect on nowadays politics
i know this is mostly based on the UK politics, but i really found similarities with France as well
the writing style is very compelling to read - while being very smart at the same time (does that make sense ? I hope it does lol)
i do have to say that this is absolutely not an easy read, i would not recommend this to people with a mid level in english because I struggled at time
i could not for the life of me remember who was who (that's on me and my memory problems)
this book is less than 300 pages long but it however felt long at moment, almost like the story was getting dragged a bit too much
the beginning was very engaging, and when the middle part came i just found myself bored at time, because most chapters felt very repetitive
i loved the idea for the end (who saw that coming?) but the execution was just meh
especially the last 'chapter'... it was very underwhelming for me i'd say
this is a very good and smart book, that did everything i expected it to do (provide insightful commentary about nowadays politics while being entertaining) but failed to do it throughout the whole story for me
it is still a book i would 100% recommend to people and i will definetely check out other books by this author !
one of my favorite book ever is animal farm so i was beyond excited when i saw this and my hopes were really high when i started reading it
the commentary and parallelism is absolutely insane - to the point where i had to stop reading to reflect on nowadays politics
i know this is mostly based on the UK politics, but i really found similarities with France as well
the writing style is very compelling to read - while being very smart at the same time (does that make sense ? I hope it does lol)
i do have to say that this is absolutely not an easy read, i would not recommend this to people with a mid level in english because I struggled at time
i could not for the life of me remember who was who (that's on me and my memory problems)
this book is less than 300 pages long but it however felt long at moment, almost like the story was getting dragged a bit too much
the beginning was very engaging, and when the middle part came i just found myself bored at time, because most chapters felt very repetitive
i loved the idea for the end (who saw that coming?) but the execution was just meh
especially the last 'chapter'... it was very underwhelming for me i'd say
this is a very good and smart book, that did everything i expected it to do (provide insightful commentary about nowadays politics while being entertaining) but failed to do it throughout the whole story for me
it is still a book i would 100% recommend to people and i will definetely check out other books by this author !
May 17, 2024
I am quite sceptical of remakes or sequels of an established book. The way I see it is that if that novel has made it’s mark, there’s no need to add on to it. In this case it’s George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which does focus on the Russian Revolution using farm animals but all the political hypocrisy is still happening today, do we really need an update.
Adam Biles Beasts of England functions both as a sequel and an update of the politics presented in Animal Farm. Now Manor Farm is still run by pigs and dogs but now functions also as a petting zoo, introducing new animals such as alpacas thus letting humans enter the farm, something which was not allowed in the past. Incidentally the famed windmill is working and providing electricity.
The same problems remain. The pigs have spilt into two factions: The Jonesists and the Animalists, one hangs on to the Jones philosophy while the latter is a party for the animals but the cheating, corruption and hypocrisy still remain. Whether these represent the tory/labour parties, politics is a dirty business and that’s established. When the book starts the animals are preparing for the Choozin, which is their form of elections so each party are trying to impress.
As for updates, Beasts of England includes Brexit, the EU here is represented by WUF, which Manor Farm want to separate from , the immigration situation and Covid, in the book it’s a mad cow disease called Wufflu. Plus there’s a pig called Jumbo who is a cross between Boris Johnson and Donald Trump and he’s a standout in the book.
The cast is entirely new but there are throwbacks to Animal Farm characters. Cassie, a mule , is looking for clues about her father Benjamin, a subplot which shouldn’t work but does, and discovers more about Manor Farm and Martha, the bright goose who discovers the filthy underbelly of politics is a great addition.
I will say that Beasts of England works. Instead of rendering Animal Farm cheap, Adam Biles gives both books gravitas. This is probably because the older material is treated with respect. As I said, the aim is not to destroy Animal Farm but to provide a companion. Biles style is eerily similar to Orwell’s and at one point there’s a direct homage to Animal Farm when the novel is discovered in a briefcase. There is a ton of care and it pays off.
Animal Farm has a legacy and with Beasts of England, Adam Biles has built upon that. Something rare since we live in a world of rehashes and rebranding.
Adam Biles Beasts of England functions both as a sequel and an update of the politics presented in Animal Farm. Now Manor Farm is still run by pigs and dogs but now functions also as a petting zoo, introducing new animals such as alpacas thus letting humans enter the farm, something which was not allowed in the past. Incidentally the famed windmill is working and providing electricity.
The same problems remain. The pigs have spilt into two factions: The Jonesists and the Animalists, one hangs on to the Jones philosophy while the latter is a party for the animals but the cheating, corruption and hypocrisy still remain. Whether these represent the tory/labour parties, politics is a dirty business and that’s established. When the book starts the animals are preparing for the Choozin, which is their form of elections so each party are trying to impress.
As for updates, Beasts of England includes Brexit, the EU here is represented by WUF, which Manor Farm want to separate from , the immigration situation and Covid, in the book it’s a mad cow disease called Wufflu. Plus there’s a pig called Jumbo who is a cross between Boris Johnson and Donald Trump and he’s a standout in the book.
The cast is entirely new but there are throwbacks to Animal Farm characters. Cassie, a mule , is looking for clues about her father Benjamin, a subplot which shouldn’t work but does, and discovers more about Manor Farm and Martha, the bright goose who discovers the filthy underbelly of politics is a great addition.
I will say that Beasts of England works. Instead of rendering Animal Farm cheap, Adam Biles gives both books gravitas. This is probably because the older material is treated with respect. As I said, the aim is not to destroy Animal Farm but to provide a companion. Biles style is eerily similar to Orwell’s and at one point there’s a direct homage to Animal Farm when the novel is discovered in a briefcase. There is a ton of care and it pays off.
Animal Farm has a legacy and with Beasts of England, Adam Biles has built upon that. Something rare since we live in a world of rehashes and rebranding.
September 14, 2023
Biles masterfully twists Orwell’s microcosmic farm into a darkly warped parable for the present day, and for future generations for many years to come - read my full review below!
https://theturnaroundblog.com/2023/09...
https://theturnaroundblog.com/2023/09...
February 28, 2025
dont cry cos its over, because it isnt worth the tears
October 8, 2023
~ The next station is MANOR FARM, doors will open on the left ~
Orwell's satirical piece, Animal Farm just got a 21st century makeover.
The beasts of Manor Farm have come a long way since the dictatorship of Napoleon. They now host 'Choozin' (read: elections) and are members of 'Wealdon Union of Animals' (hint: think European Union with fur). It isn't the ordinary farm anymore; it's been rebranded as a Premium Petting Zoo.
But don't be fooled by the petting zoo facade; this farm's got more drama than a soap opera on steroids. Elections are rigged and ever changing mottos would even make Orwell do a double take this time. Political scandals unfold the place into chaos while the two pig factions; modern, twinkle toed Animalists and old fashioned, nostalgic human lovers Jonesists are up against each other for the epic showdown. As if that's not enough, a mysterious disease 'Wufflu' starts wreaking havoc, knocking off residents like dominoes and fueling discrimination against certain species.
In Beasts of England, Adam Biles takes modern British Politics and blends it in Orwell's farmyard satire. And Dare I say, it outshines its predecessor! The ongoings at this farm mirror the shenanigans of our present-day politics and their changing colours like a chameleon in a disco.
Abuse of power is one of the central themes of the book. Where Manor Farm seems to have come a long way from authoritarian times, it is diving head first into populist politics and narcissistic leaders now. Sounds familiar, right? Practices inside the barn - like hiding the truth and spreading fake news for personal gain, punishing those who dare to ask questions, brewing scandals, peddling deceitful dreams of utopian times for nationalistic appeal, and employing divisive diplomacy - are as relevant there as they are here on the evening news.
Tackling serious themes in the absurdist plot of a chaotic farm, this book is a comedy goldmine! With a cast of animals, each with their own peculiar quirks, Adam Biles takes sharp jabs at our current political circus and if you trust me, it is a treat to read.
Although it could be read independently, I would recommend you to at least read the summary of Animal Farm should you decide to pick Beasts of England.
Orwell must be swelling with pride in his grave! Or who knows, he might be having a hearty laugh.
PS. Totally unrelated but no one in the farm thought of renaming the gossiping birds, Starlings, to some random alphabet. Better judgement than a musky human. IYKYK!
Orwell's satirical piece, Animal Farm just got a 21st century makeover.
The beasts of Manor Farm have come a long way since the dictatorship of Napoleon. They now host 'Choozin' (read: elections) and are members of 'Wealdon Union of Animals' (hint: think European Union with fur). It isn't the ordinary farm anymore; it's been rebranded as a Premium Petting Zoo.
But don't be fooled by the petting zoo facade; this farm's got more drama than a soap opera on steroids. Elections are rigged and ever changing mottos would even make Orwell do a double take this time. Political scandals unfold the place into chaos while the two pig factions; modern, twinkle toed Animalists and old fashioned, nostalgic human lovers Jonesists are up against each other for the epic showdown. As if that's not enough, a mysterious disease 'Wufflu' starts wreaking havoc, knocking off residents like dominoes and fueling discrimination against certain species.
In Beasts of England, Adam Biles takes modern British Politics and blends it in Orwell's farmyard satire. And Dare I say, it outshines its predecessor! The ongoings at this farm mirror the shenanigans of our present-day politics and their changing colours like a chameleon in a disco.
Abuse of power is one of the central themes of the book. Where Manor Farm seems to have come a long way from authoritarian times, it is diving head first into populist politics and narcissistic leaders now. Sounds familiar, right? Practices inside the barn - like hiding the truth and spreading fake news for personal gain, punishing those who dare to ask questions, brewing scandals, peddling deceitful dreams of utopian times for nationalistic appeal, and employing divisive diplomacy - are as relevant there as they are here on the evening news.
Tackling serious themes in the absurdist plot of a chaotic farm, this book is a comedy goldmine! With a cast of animals, each with their own peculiar quirks, Adam Biles takes sharp jabs at our current political circus and if you trust me, it is a treat to read.
Although it could be read independently, I would recommend you to at least read the summary of Animal Farm should you decide to pick Beasts of England.
Orwell must be swelling with pride in his grave! Or who knows, he might be having a hearty laugh.
PS. Totally unrelated but no one in the farm thought of renaming the gossiping birds, Starlings, to some random alphabet. Better judgement than a musky human. IYKYK!
May 14, 2024
It is well written and thoroughly depressing.
I can understand why you would want to use Orwell’s brilliant idea for an update, but Orwell achieved so much more with far fewer words. Following in his footsteps seems unwise apart from the benefit of reminding us how good Orwell’s book was.
The new twists in this book, the starlings as social media, a wider range of animals and the farm being used as a petting zoo are however fun, otherwise it is a gloomy book, times are gloomy but …..
I can understand why you would want to use Orwell’s brilliant idea for an update, but Orwell achieved so much more with far fewer words. Following in his footsteps seems unwise apart from the benefit of reminding us how good Orwell’s book was.
The new twists in this book, the starlings as social media, a wider range of animals and the farm being used as a petting zoo are however fun, otherwise it is a gloomy book, times are gloomy but …..
November 30, 2023
I’m glad I was encouraged to read Animal Farm before reading Beasts of England because it picks up 25 or so years after the Great Rebellion on Manor Farm when farmer Jones was run off his farm by the animals who then instituted a form of Democratic Socialism, which would have worked if not for a few evil, greedy pigs. It is an Animal Farm for our age of social media, fake news, slogans instead of real debate, victim blaming, xenophobia, pride in one’s bigotry, increased violence, and an exhausted population looking on in helpless horror as wanna be fascists win elections.
A British friend wondered if it was too rooted in UK politics for US readers, but I am certain Jumbo, the stupid, vulgar, vile, wig wearing pig who became First Beast is Trump. I won’t say more, but I think a book group could spend an interesting evening discussing the analogies to UK and US leaders and policies, and the fall out when cruelty for its own sake is celebrated.
For the same reasons Animal Farm is a classic, I predict Beasts of England will be a classic.
Well done Adam Biles and well chosen Galley Beggar.
A British friend wondered if it was too rooted in UK politics for US readers, but I am certain Jumbo, the stupid, vulgar, vile, wig wearing pig who became First Beast is Trump. I won’t say more, but I think a book group could spend an interesting evening discussing the analogies to UK and US leaders and policies, and the fall out when cruelty for its own sake is celebrated.
For the same reasons Animal Farm is a classic, I predict Beasts of England will be a classic.
Well done Adam Biles and well chosen Galley Beggar.
September 10, 2023
Read travelling to nerjas . It will be thought of as animal farm 2 it shares much of Orwells concepts and uses the events of animal farm as its history ..
It is weirdly especiallybwhen you consider some of the horrors that came after the soviet revolution even scarier and more depressing.
You can see trump Johnson ferrage and any number of right wing tin pot dictators reflected in the book.
Bills lifts events from the recent past think John selwyn gummer and weaves it into his narrative.
It is q little unrelenting and the conclusion it draws about the animals and therefore us are in many respects horrifying.
The end again counter intuitively gave me hope for tge 21sf century but tge last paragraph isn't uplifting really .
Fantastic book great concepts enjoyed and earned the right to stand next to animal farm and that's some achievement
It is weirdly especiallybwhen you consider some of the horrors that came after the soviet revolution even scarier and more depressing.
You can see trump Johnson ferrage and any number of right wing tin pot dictators reflected in the book.
Bills lifts events from the recent past think John selwyn gummer and weaves it into his narrative.
It is q little unrelenting and the conclusion it draws about the animals and therefore us are in many respects horrifying.
The end again counter intuitively gave me hope for tge 21sf century but tge last paragraph isn't uplifting really .
Fantastic book great concepts enjoyed and earned the right to stand next to animal farm and that's some achievement
February 19, 2024
A worthy successor to Animal Farm this is not.
December 28, 2024
A great piece of satire that easily compares to the original "Animal Farm". However, and this is absolutely a me issue, the topics felt a little too close to home for me to fully 'enjoy' it.
November 27, 2023
I didn’t actually finish this. Have had to live through years of govt incompetence, not sure I want to be reminded of it all.
October 3, 2023
When the geese pressed him, Pearl admitted that he couldn't remember precisely what he'd said when word had reached him of the confrontation in the spinney. He was, after all, a pig of a certain age. But as a long-term defender of the rights of all oppressed animals, it was simply impossible for him to imagine that he hadn't vociferously defended the rights of the dormice to live undisturbed.
Entertaining (if perhaps by comparison slightly too long) sequel to "Beasts of England" - one set some years later, on the same a farm and effectively a satire of the last 40-50 years of English politics rather than Russia.
Politically Manor Farm is now a democracy and largely politically divided into two rival factions - the Animalists and Jonesists (respectively Conservative and Labour).
Its economy was transformed under the formidable sow past leader of the Jonesists Traviata (Thatcher) via opening up the sale of electricity from the famous windmill of the Napolean era.
The working farm then became a petting z00 (deindustrialisation and replacement by tourism/services).
Some financial engineering around the sale of the electricity - largely not understood by the leaders, or by the people who rather resented the wealth of those performing the financial tricks but who were nevertheless happy to benefit from the proceeds accruing to the farm - has until now supported the economy, but a sudden crash has suddenly revealed huge debts which threaten the farm's very economy (the boom years of City/the financial crisis).
The farm is facing question marks over its future membership of the Wealden Union of Farmers (EU) and a growing dispute over housing of stray animals (migrant crisis).
The regular/traditional sources of farm news the honking Geese (the MSM) are being supplanted by a flock of starlings transmitting rumours at fast speed (Twitter).
The farm is also being struck by a mysterious illness Wu-flu (which I have to say was in my view a rather ill-advised choice by the author for the name for a kind of BSE/COVID mash up - with even Selywn-Gummer's daughter making an analogy appearance).
After the resignation of the long-term Animalists leader (I think standing in for New Labour) and then the deposition of the Jonesits leader who (like Cameron) exits humming - both parties are ruled by extremists: the Jonesists by the floppy-wigged, scruffy, porcine, multi-piglet fathering, ex WUF winder upper Jumbo and the Animalists by the ageing idealist Pearl.
A decent but unspectacular middle candidate is convinced he will easily defeat both sides - given they are both clearly unqualified for power and are ignoring the centre ground - but gets almost no votes (the 2019 Liberal Democrats).
I would say here that Jumbo I think is one of the weakest characters in the book (the Farage /Brexit party equivalent close behind) - barely getting above Spitting Image or Private Eye front-cover levels of satire in his obviousness.
By contrast I really enjoyed Pearl - who was I thought was the best Corbyn take-down since Natasha Brown's "Assembly" and while a little less hidden than that one does at least seem to have gone completely over the head of the Guardian's reviewer who lists the book as about "Partygate, Brexit, the refugee crisis, Covid, Johnson, Trump, Farage, the Murdoch press, targeted Facebook ads, the Daily Mail et al .... The Conservative Government" - all of which is true but is only half the picture.
Finally in contrast to "Animal Farm" this book does have more of a set of central characters given some time to develop (in particular a mule Cassie and a goose Martha) and the return of Benjamin the Donkey as continuity between the two books is particularly welcome and gives the book a poignant ending missing from the original.
April 8, 2024
Animal Farm is now out of copyright in the UK. Hence, this unofficial retelling.
“History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” Karl Marx
In this modern sequel to George Orwell’s 'Animal Farm', we return to find the farmyard is now a "premium petting zoo" with a working windmill that sells electricity. Although the pigs with their dogs are still in charge, democracy reigns. The farm animals are able to elect their First Beast in the “Choozin” - by which, “you get a pig”. They live seemingly idyllic, prosperous lives but not all is as it seems.
Adam Biles, cleverly weaves in elements from the original allegory: wise Benjamin the donkey; the windmill; the old rules; motto and songs albeit altered once again to the whim and benefit of the rulers. The battle cry song, ‘Beasts of England’ (the original urged animals to work hard and rebel against their human masters) has been eroded and refashioned to serve the Pigs, “A corruption of a corruption” as per Benjamin.
I really wanted to enjoy reading this, especially as it contained more contextual significance to me with its modern British politics. But I struggled. After the first fifty pages (about 20%) I fruitlessly tried to salvage my interest with the cardinal sin of skimming and reading ahead. I found it even bleaker than the original. The animals are more malnourished and mistreated than before. Old Benjamin escapes his years of bondage to witness the horrors, "humans, pigs and dogs were really not more intelligent than the other animals, as they liked to believe. They were just much, much crueller."
Further, for a book that is meant to be an updated social satire, considering this book was written during the Covid lockdown there’s an absence of how swiftly our freedoms can be revoked and it's devoid of analysis of social, economic, physical and mental health ramifications that have blighted generations. George Orwell didn’t just look backwards he also looked forwards.
Ultimately I am disappointed, I wanted more hope at the end. Beasts of England ends with even less hope than Animal Farm. As Newman, author of Julia - the retelling of 1984 - said, “You want to write something that says what the last book you read didn't say”. As a reader you want to read something that says what the last book you read didn’t say. More not less hope.
Extra notes - contextual references:
Boris Johnson (a pig named Jumbo); Brexit (WUF); the economic & refugee crisis, social media propaganda (starlings), the mystery illness Wufflu (connection to either the circular system that gave rise to Mad Cow Disease or Covid?).
Moto iterations
All animals are equal (Animal Farm)
All animals are equal but some are more equal than others (Animal Farm)
All animals are ... more equal than others (Beasts of England)
References:
Newman quote from: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/2...
“History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” Karl Marx
In this modern sequel to George Orwell’s 'Animal Farm', we return to find the farmyard is now a "premium petting zoo" with a working windmill that sells electricity. Although the pigs with their dogs are still in charge, democracy reigns. The farm animals are able to elect their First Beast in the “Choozin” - by which, “you get a pig”. They live seemingly idyllic, prosperous lives but not all is as it seems.
Adam Biles, cleverly weaves in elements from the original allegory: wise Benjamin the donkey; the windmill; the old rules; motto and songs albeit altered once again to the whim and benefit of the rulers. The battle cry song, ‘Beasts of England’ (the original urged animals to work hard and rebel against their human masters) has been eroded and refashioned to serve the Pigs, “A corruption of a corruption” as per Benjamin.
I really wanted to enjoy reading this, especially as it contained more contextual significance to me with its modern British politics. But I struggled. After the first fifty pages (about 20%) I fruitlessly tried to salvage my interest with the cardinal sin of skimming and reading ahead. I found it even bleaker than the original. The animals are more malnourished and mistreated than before. Old Benjamin escapes his years of bondage to witness the horrors, "humans, pigs and dogs were really not more intelligent than the other animals, as they liked to believe. They were just much, much crueller."
Further, for a book that is meant to be an updated social satire, considering this book was written during the Covid lockdown there’s an absence of how swiftly our freedoms can be revoked and it's devoid of analysis of social, economic, physical and mental health ramifications that have blighted generations. George Orwell didn’t just look backwards he also looked forwards.
Ultimately I am disappointed, I wanted more hope at the end. Beasts of England ends with even less hope than Animal Farm. As Newman, author of Julia - the retelling of 1984 - said, “You want to write something that says what the last book you read didn't say”. As a reader you want to read something that says what the last book you read didn’t say. More not less hope.
Extra notes - contextual references:
Boris Johnson (a pig named Jumbo); Brexit (WUF); the economic & refugee crisis, social media propaganda (starlings), the mystery illness Wufflu (connection to either the circular system that gave rise to Mad Cow Disease or Covid?).
Moto iterations
All animals are equal (Animal Farm)
All animals are equal but some are more equal than others (Animal Farm)
All animals are ... more equal than others (Beasts of England)
References:
Newman quote from: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/2...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
"Beasts of England" by Adam Biles is a clever and timely reinterpretation of George Orwell's classic "Animal Farm," offering a sly and topical update for the twenty-first century. Author skillfully weaves a narrative that mirrors the chaotic and fragmented landscape of contemporary politics, particularly in the age of the Internet, while maintaining the essence of Orwell's satirical masterpiece.
Set in Manor Farm, which has transformed into a petting zoo in the South of England, the story takes readers on a darkly humorous journey into a world where animals and humans coexist under the facade of a petting zoo. The animals are now offered up for the pleasure of visitors, and the once-revolutionary ideals of equality and solidarity have given way to rigged elections, factionalism, and the constant revision of sacred mottos. This shift parallels the disillusionment and manipulation that often occurs in political movements.
One of the central strengths of Author's work is his ability to channel the essence of populist politics in the Internet age into a savage farmyard satire. He highlights the challenges faced by the animals as they grapple with propaganda, deceit, and the erosion of their collective dream. The story also features a mysterious illness that plagues the animals, adding an element of suspense and intrigue to the narrative.
Biles' prose is sharp and witty, and his ability to create an allegorical tale that resonates with the political and social issues of today is commendable. The characters in "Beasts of England" are both relatable and symbolic, making it easy for readers to draw parallels with real-world figures and events.
All-in-all, "Beasts of England" is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that successfully pays homage to George Orwell's "Animal Farm" while providing a fresh and relevant perspective on the political dynamics of the twenty-first century. Adam Biles' skillful storytelling and satirical prowess make this novel a compelling choice for those interested in political allegory, social commentary, and dark humor.
Set in Manor Farm, which has transformed into a petting zoo in the South of England, the story takes readers on a darkly humorous journey into a world where animals and humans coexist under the facade of a petting zoo. The animals are now offered up for the pleasure of visitors, and the once-revolutionary ideals of equality and solidarity have given way to rigged elections, factionalism, and the constant revision of sacred mottos. This shift parallels the disillusionment and manipulation that often occurs in political movements.
One of the central strengths of Author's work is his ability to channel the essence of populist politics in the Internet age into a savage farmyard satire. He highlights the challenges faced by the animals as they grapple with propaganda, deceit, and the erosion of their collective dream. The story also features a mysterious illness that plagues the animals, adding an element of suspense and intrigue to the narrative.
Biles' prose is sharp and witty, and his ability to create an allegorical tale that resonates with the political and social issues of today is commendable. The characters in "Beasts of England" are both relatable and symbolic, making it easy for readers to draw parallels with real-world figures and events.
All-in-all, "Beasts of England" is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that successfully pays homage to George Orwell's "Animal Farm" while providing a fresh and relevant perspective on the political dynamics of the twenty-first century. Adam Biles' skillful storytelling and satirical prowess make this novel a compelling choice for those interested in political allegory, social commentary, and dark humor.
October 31, 2023
This is a tough one. Firstly, it's not really a sequel to Animal Farm. More an updating.
Animal Farm is a quick, easy read. Very much in keeping with the 'Fairy Tale' name that Orwell gives it.
This is is not that story, though it shares places and characters. There is just so much going on here. So many characters, so many plot threads weaving around and all so utterly depressing. Even the (kind of) hopeful ending doesn't leave much.
More than pretty much any book this year it leaves me conflicted. As a mirror to the world we live in, it is uncomfortably familiar and possibly tries to cram in a little too much of the nonsense going on in the UK recently (Being a brit I see allusions to the UK everywhere in this book, from Mad Cow disease, COVID, Brexit, Class divide, War on Truth, Religious extremism, Cambridge Analytica, National Patriotism to the War on Terror, National Identity questions and the Refugee crisis etc, etc .) I'm sure people from other places will see reflections of their own countries here too. But the magnifying glass is certainly not as firmly fixed on Russia as it once was.
At times it was a bit of a slog and I missed the brevity of its predecessor. Not exactly a laugh riot, it is nearly as jolly as The Road. Easy to admire, not so easy to enjoy.
It did feel like too much at times. Maybe that's the point though. Modern life is just too much and the modern world is just that messed up, yes they are lying to you and no, they don't care and no, you're not supposed to enjoy it. Although I did rather enjoy the bizarre jump to a Wicker Man-esque future. If only there was a Christopher Lee type character to better represent the pagan past.
My one major criticism is about geography. Is Manor Farm supposed to be in SE England or the West Country???? It talks about Wiltshire a lot, but they read the Uckfield Times. Not sure even the starlings can fly that far and fast to deliver the newspapers. Yeah, yeah, yeah... fictional allegorical place and all... but these things matter!
Animal Farm is a quick, easy read. Very much in keeping with the 'Fairy Tale' name that Orwell gives it.
This is is not that story, though it shares places and characters. There is just so much going on here. So many characters, so many plot threads weaving around and all so utterly depressing. Even the (kind of) hopeful ending doesn't leave much.
More than pretty much any book this year it leaves me conflicted. As a mirror to the world we live in, it is uncomfortably familiar and possibly tries to cram in a little too much of the nonsense going on in the UK recently (Being a brit I see allusions to the UK everywhere in this book, from Mad Cow disease, COVID, Brexit, Class divide, War on Truth, Religious extremism, Cambridge Analytica, National Patriotism to the War on Terror, National Identity questions and the Refugee crisis etc, etc .) I'm sure people from other places will see reflections of their own countries here too. But the magnifying glass is certainly not as firmly fixed on Russia as it once was.
At times it was a bit of a slog and I missed the brevity of its predecessor. Not exactly a laugh riot, it is nearly as jolly as The Road. Easy to admire, not so easy to enjoy.
It did feel like too much at times. Maybe that's the point though. Modern life is just too much and the modern world is just that messed up, yes they are lying to you and no, they don't care and no, you're not supposed to enjoy it. Although I did rather enjoy the bizarre jump to a Wicker Man-esque future. If only there was a Christopher Lee type character to better represent the pagan past.
My one major criticism is about geography. Is Manor Farm supposed to be in SE England or the West Country???? It talks about Wiltshire a lot, but they read the Uckfield Times. Not sure even the starlings can fly that far and fast to deliver the newspapers. Yeah, yeah, yeah... fictional allegorical place and all... but these things matter!
March 11, 2025
In this unofficial sequel to Animal Farm, Manor Farm is still led by pigs albeit now has become a profitable petting zoo. Many current events are allegorised throughout the book, some more subtly than others.
Overseeing all events, we have the starlings as Twitter, flitting around rapidly with unreliable reports and rumours. Partway through the lying Jumbo (as Boris Johnson) steps into leadership, holding forth with his trotters that the “time has come to take our power back! To leave the WUF! To dig the moat! And to heal the Manor!” Of course, the WUF is the EU, blamed for all the faults of the farm, most of which are home-grown. There is a brief detour into Covid, as a disease rips through some of the animals (unfortunately named Wufflu). In the background, we see Comrade Pearl (Corbyn) and his followers desperately digging for Sugarcandy Mountain, discussing how much better life will be once its unearthed (while largely ignoring everything else that’s going on).
This was an enjoyable ‘update’ to the original, though ultimately I didn’t find it anywhere near as successful. It would have been more effective if it were much slimmer, as parts of the book became quite repetitive and ultimately pointless. For instance, so many chapters ended along the lines of animals looking away or focusing on something other than what the author thought they should, with the almost ad nauseam phrase “If they had, they would have noticed…”
I also felt that the book was more a blanket commentary on modern politics than a specific anger/criticism as Orwell’s condemnation of the corruption of socialist ideals, not really achieving much other than a back-slapping “ha ha aren’t they awful”. It was amusing but ultimately a little tiring to see how many parallels/references to current events could be made through the faint ridicule of various animals, and many ended up fizzling into nothing.
Overseeing all events, we have the starlings as Twitter, flitting around rapidly with unreliable reports and rumours. Partway through the lying Jumbo (as Boris Johnson) steps into leadership, holding forth with his trotters that the “time has come to take our power back! To leave the WUF! To dig the moat! And to heal the Manor!” Of course, the WUF is the EU, blamed for all the faults of the farm, most of which are home-grown. There is a brief detour into Covid, as a disease rips through some of the animals (unfortunately named Wufflu). In the background, we see Comrade Pearl (Corbyn) and his followers desperately digging for Sugarcandy Mountain, discussing how much better life will be once its unearthed (while largely ignoring everything else that’s going on).
This was an enjoyable ‘update’ to the original, though ultimately I didn’t find it anywhere near as successful. It would have been more effective if it were much slimmer, as parts of the book became quite repetitive and ultimately pointless. For instance, so many chapters ended along the lines of animals looking away or focusing on something other than what the author thought they should, with the almost ad nauseam phrase “If they had, they would have noticed…”
I also felt that the book was more a blanket commentary on modern politics than a specific anger/criticism as Orwell’s condemnation of the corruption of socialist ideals, not really achieving much other than a back-slapping “ha ha aren’t they awful”. It was amusing but ultimately a little tiring to see how many parallels/references to current events could be made through the faint ridicule of various animals, and many ended up fizzling into nothing.
October 31, 2023
An ambitious and entertaining sequel to Orwell's satirical piece, Adam Biles' 'Beasts of England' is set on the same farm but some few years later.
Manor Farm has undergone some major changes in the meantime. Now a petting zoo, it is politically divided into two parties mostly - Animalists and Jonesists. The farm now periodically holds elections and is also a member of Wealdon Union of Farmers. Economy of the farm largely depends on the electricity produced by the famous windmill from Napoleon's time. When it fails, Manor farm's severe debt comes into the light, throwing everything into upheaval.
'Beasts of England' is built on Orwell's idea of "all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". Instances of such disparities are everywhere. Select few are reaping the benefits of the end of dictatorship in the farm. Rest are distracted easily from the issues on hand, manipulated and exploited for the sake of the leaders - not unlike the people of just about any democracy in the world.
While Orwell's book is an ode to the dangers of totalitarianism, 'Beasts of England' pays its homage to the politics of, well, England. Which I don't follow at all. Naturally, I missed a lot of allegories, which I only got to know from other reviews or discussions about the book. But the language of satire is nothing if not universal. So I enjoyed it a lot. It's worth mentioning that some characters made a comeback from Animal Farm. So if you're thinking about reading Beasts of England, you must absolutely read its unofficial predecessor, to enjoy it to the fullest.
Manor Farm has undergone some major changes in the meantime. Now a petting zoo, it is politically divided into two parties mostly - Animalists and Jonesists. The farm now periodically holds elections and is also a member of Wealdon Union of Farmers. Economy of the farm largely depends on the electricity produced by the famous windmill from Napoleon's time. When it fails, Manor farm's severe debt comes into the light, throwing everything into upheaval.
'Beasts of England' is built on Orwell's idea of "all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". Instances of such disparities are everywhere. Select few are reaping the benefits of the end of dictatorship in the farm. Rest are distracted easily from the issues on hand, manipulated and exploited for the sake of the leaders - not unlike the people of just about any democracy in the world.
While Orwell's book is an ode to the dangers of totalitarianism, 'Beasts of England' pays its homage to the politics of, well, England. Which I don't follow at all. Naturally, I missed a lot of allegories, which I only got to know from other reviews or discussions about the book. But the language of satire is nothing if not universal. So I enjoyed it a lot. It's worth mentioning that some characters made a comeback from Animal Farm. So if you're thinking about reading Beasts of England, you must absolutely read its unofficial predecessor, to enjoy it to the fullest.
September 23, 2024
Agreed that I have given only 3.5 to Animal Farm, & agreed that this book does not exist without it, this is a sequel by someone else.
But it does serious justice being a sequel, it matches the tone, language & entire feel of Animal Farm.
I had spent most of the time of reading Animal Farm, wondering what the message, the politics & the moral of it is ... & had not a clear answer,
Honestly, nor is this book clear in it. It is a continuous series of observations. But reading this has given me more appreciation for the original book.
In this book, I felt a savage rage towards sheep, for being so sheeply, which is definitely a carry over from the original book, but I felt it only in this book, that too, when the situation starts to resemble the present!
... how the animals are just like Indian voters, so forgetful of just recent tragedies, & how this forgetting is fueled by illiteracy ...
What ARE the starlings representing? I could not fathom.
Unlike Animal Farm, which is an account of the state of affairs at a point in time & geography, this book has some protagonists ... Martha, Cassie, Duke, Cosmo ...
I was awed how easily the animals came up with all sorts of theories of the chicken massacre, but did not question the ones with obvious, ( here biological) motive!
The very concurrent themes have been touched upon ... illegal immigrants arriving from tortured lands ... poisoning of land & water by toxic effluents...
The reflections of unbiological prime servant Modi ( or perhaps any far-right leader of current times) is striking ...
- the hate-mongering
- casteism/ racism
- making the international body a villain !!!
- the masses swayed with hatred almost instantaneously...
- the "othering"
- the polarizing dichotomies
- the name-chanting
The last chapter/ epilogue could have been impossibly tragic... or non-existant, but author chose to end on a hopeful note. (That's just an observation, I would have liked the book equally, tragic end, open end or optimistic end ...)
But it does serious justice being a sequel, it matches the tone, language & entire feel of Animal Farm.
I had spent most of the time of reading Animal Farm, wondering what the message, the politics & the moral of it is ... & had not a clear answer,
Honestly, nor is this book clear in it. It is a continuous series of observations. But reading this has given me more appreciation for the original book.
In this book, I felt a savage rage towards sheep, for being so sheeply, which is definitely a carry over from the original book, but I felt it only in this book, that too, when the situation starts to resemble the present!
... how the animals are just like Indian voters, so forgetful of just recent tragedies, & how this forgetting is fueled by illiteracy ...
What ARE the starlings representing? I could not fathom.
Unlike Animal Farm, which is an account of the state of affairs at a point in time & geography, this book has some protagonists ... Martha, Cassie, Duke, Cosmo ...
I was awed how easily the animals came up with all sorts of theories of the chicken massacre, but did not question the ones with obvious, ( here biological) motive!
The very concurrent themes have been touched upon ... illegal immigrants arriving from tortured lands ... poisoning of land & water by toxic effluents...
The reflections of unbiological prime servant Modi ( or perhaps any far-right leader of current times) is striking ...
- the hate-mongering
- casteism/ racism
- making the international body a villain !!!
- the masses swayed with hatred almost instantaneously...
- the "othering"
- the polarizing dichotomies
- the name-chanting
The last chapter/ epilogue could have been impossibly tragic... or non-existant, but author chose to end on a hopeful note. (That's just an observation, I would have liked the book equally, tragic end, open end or optimistic end ...)
January 10, 2025
“With nothing to do but stare at the walls of the farmhouse, the animals took to speculating about what these strange events might mean.” I wanted to love Beasts of England, Adam Biles’ modern satirical sequel to George Orwell’s well-trod Animal Farm; unfortunately it lacks some of the precision and concision of its antecedent, and as a result feels perhaps a bit bloated at its worst moments, and too bogged down in detail, terminology, references, especially compared to Orwell’s original crispness. But it’s a good book: its second half very much redeems the struggle of the first. Its excoriating takedown of modern political climates in the West is sharp and often quite funny — though, increasingly, I was also left feeling cold and indifferent towards a kind of impenetrable bleakness, especially as the narrative approaches its shocking yet inevitable climax. But the coda at the end, which jumps forward in time and approaches the story with a new set of eyes, is exceptional, a lyrical quality to its prose and, almost, depending perhaps on your reading, a chance at hopefulness. So I still admire Biles for his ambition and his frequent flashes of excellence, but ultimately — perhaps an unavoidable pitfall of his endeavour — I was left to re-manage my high, high expectations. “Different stories would be told over the troughs of what happened next. Yet, however much the animals disagreed over the manner in which it started, there was no disagreement about the result.” Maybe I’ll feel differently about it all in a few years too, when some of it doesn’t feel as depressingly immediate as in our current rapid downslide into fascism and despair???
December 17, 2023
There's a lot of good things to be said about Beasts of England, not least the fact that Adam Biles has had the courage to attempt a sequel to one of the most iconic stories of the last century.
In many ways, Beasts of England's great strength (that it takes the backdrop of Orwell's Animal/Manor Farm and applies to it all manner of modern political shenanigans) is also its great weakness (at least it was for me).
In creating that modern-world backdrop, the reader is almost inevitably drawn into looking for parallels with modern historical figures in the varied characters that appear on the pages, searching for the shadow of Johnson, Trump maybe, even Putin?
That's not to criticise Adam Biles - to do so remains true to the original's parody of Soviet Russia and the Napoleon/Lenin, Snowball/Trotsky parallels - but it is a little distracting!
There are some clever additions too - the inclusion of more exotic beasts such as alpacas and geckos is surely a nod to growing multiculturalism; the starlings' are the embodiment of the madness and power of social media (and its ability to be manipulated), whilst Martha appears to be the embodiment of modern investigative journalism.
So why only 4 stars?
Well, if I'm being ultra-critical, whilst I enjoyed all 272 pages, I was left with the feeling that there was so much more that could've been said, and so much that was left unexplained.
I felt a little that this was an opportunity both taken and missed.
My advice - if you enjoyed Animal Farm, give Beasts of England a go - just do so with expectations a little tempered.
In many ways, Beasts of England's great strength (that it takes the backdrop of Orwell's Animal/Manor Farm and applies to it all manner of modern political shenanigans) is also its great weakness (at least it was for me).
In creating that modern-world backdrop, the reader is almost inevitably drawn into looking for parallels with modern historical figures in the varied characters that appear on the pages, searching for the shadow of Johnson, Trump maybe, even Putin?
That's not to criticise Adam Biles - to do so remains true to the original's parody of Soviet Russia and the Napoleon/Lenin, Snowball/Trotsky parallels - but it is a little distracting!
There are some clever additions too - the inclusion of more exotic beasts such as alpacas and geckos is surely a nod to growing multiculturalism; the starlings' are the embodiment of the madness and power of social media (and its ability to be manipulated), whilst Martha appears to be the embodiment of modern investigative journalism.
So why only 4 stars?
Well, if I'm being ultra-critical, whilst I enjoyed all 272 pages, I was left with the feeling that there was so much more that could've been said, and so much that was left unexplained.
I felt a little that this was an opportunity both taken and missed.
My advice - if you enjoyed Animal Farm, give Beasts of England a go - just do so with expectations a little tempered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
3.5 stars
'Beasts of England' is 'Animal Farm, updated for modern day, Brexit and misinformation bedevilled England. It is many years since the Glorious Revolution which ousted Farmer Jones and installed the pigs and the new master, per Mr Orwell's telling.
The words of the anthem have changed with the times, and so has Manor Farm. It is now England's biggest petting zoo, and wise management by the 'Jonesist' and 'Animalist' pig factions have made the lives of the inhabitants much better, honestly.
But winds of change are blowing in, told by the flutter of starlings. Things are not as they seem, and circumstances allign to bring forward the worst angels in the character of nearly everyone.
It is a gentle satire, and the caricatures of modern political figures are recognisable, but perhaps not essential to the meaning of the message being parlayed. Nigel Farage is a pipsqueak of history when compared to Joseph Stalin of course. Boris Johnson (or maybe Donald Trump) seem like bufoonish villains rather than murderous ones. And one might almost completely forget poor Jeremy Corbyn.
The warning is of course, not of our chosen figureheads, but of the lies we tell ourselves and we careen down the road to ruin, paved as it is by good intentions (and secretive prejudices).
There is a smidgeon of hope allowed. But not much.
'Beasts of England' is 'Animal Farm, updated for modern day, Brexit and misinformation bedevilled England. It is many years since the Glorious Revolution which ousted Farmer Jones and installed the pigs and the new master, per Mr Orwell's telling.
The words of the anthem have changed with the times, and so has Manor Farm. It is now England's biggest petting zoo, and wise management by the 'Jonesist' and 'Animalist' pig factions have made the lives of the inhabitants much better, honestly.
But winds of change are blowing in, told by the flutter of starlings. Things are not as they seem, and circumstances allign to bring forward the worst angels in the character of nearly everyone.
It is a gentle satire, and the caricatures of modern political figures are recognisable, but perhaps not essential to the meaning of the message being parlayed. Nigel Farage is a pipsqueak of history when compared to Joseph Stalin of course. Boris Johnson (or maybe Donald Trump) seem like bufoonish villains rather than murderous ones. And one might almost completely forget poor Jeremy Corbyn.
The warning is of course, not of our chosen figureheads, but of the lies we tell ourselves and we careen down the road to ruin, paved as it is by good intentions (and secretive prejudices).
There is a smidgeon of hope allowed. But not much.
October 12, 2023
Beasts of England is Biles unofficial sequel to Orwell's Animal Farm. Albeit, the events of both the books are very closely related. Manor Farm still remains exclusive but has now reinvented itself as a premium petting zoo and also a member of the Wealden Union of Farmers, but there's a big question mark over its future membership
Manor Farm is widely a democracy with two contending parties - Joneists and Animalists. Their economy has widely changed under the formidable Travista by selling electricity from the windmill erected under Napoleon's overseer.
The animals live in a state of bliss until the windmill fails, and suddenly, huge debts creep up, threatening the very farm's existence. The rainy day silo is a farce. The rich grow accrue more from their financial tricks while the others work themselves to the bones to keep their leaders in style.
Biles takes a big satirical dig on English politics but makes it furry. Brexit? Migrant crisis? Financial crisis? Class divide? Biles got his trotters in them all, and he doesn't go easy on the digs.
In contrast to Orwell's Animal Farm, Biles gives more character to his animals. Gossipy Starlings, the all-knowing duck, the nosy mule, and even Benjamin, the donkey from the original makes his grand entry. No one has seen a donkey die, have you? Who lives the donkey's years, not the donkey?!
I read Beasts of England right after I finished Animal Farm and found the former to be an even more delightful read than the original. Which means something, right?!
Sending some starlings to spread the word. You'll be changing your tune soon after they align on your shoulders and reading out for a copy. Yes, they are marvelous little birds for umpteen reasons.
Thank you, @panmacmillan, for giving me a chance to read and review this copy. This was one train I never felt like alighting from.
Manor Farm is widely a democracy with two contending parties - Joneists and Animalists. Their economy has widely changed under the formidable Travista by selling electricity from the windmill erected under Napoleon's overseer.
The animals live in a state of bliss until the windmill fails, and suddenly, huge debts creep up, threatening the very farm's existence. The rainy day silo is a farce. The rich grow accrue more from their financial tricks while the others work themselves to the bones to keep their leaders in style.
Biles takes a big satirical dig on English politics but makes it furry. Brexit? Migrant crisis? Financial crisis? Class divide? Biles got his trotters in them all, and he doesn't go easy on the digs.
In contrast to Orwell's Animal Farm, Biles gives more character to his animals. Gossipy Starlings, the all-knowing duck, the nosy mule, and even Benjamin, the donkey from the original makes his grand entry. No one has seen a donkey die, have you? Who lives the donkey's years, not the donkey?!
I read Beasts of England right after I finished Animal Farm and found the former to be an even more delightful read than the original. Which means something, right?!
Sending some starlings to spread the word. You'll be changing your tune soon after they align on your shoulders and reading out for a copy. Yes, they are marvelous little birds for umpteen reasons.
Thank you, @panmacmillan, for giving me a chance to read and review this copy. This was one train I never felt like alighting from.
July 6, 2024
Manor Farm is now a petting zoo, a menagerie with alpacas, geckos, and magpies. However, corruption and hostility persist in this small, dystopian society. Contaminated water, infected feed, and undernourished creatures are everywhere and a mysterious illness, Wufflu, is spreading. Meanwhile, a ruling pig is involved in shady deals, returning with cash. What is he selling? What is the source of this new feed that makes them all sick? Biles writes a modern version of George Orwell’s Animal Farm that includes a pandemic disease, fake news, and hatred of differences. Witty, funny and somewhere sad.
https://redheadwithabrain.ch/index.ph...
https://redheadwithabrain.ch/index.ph...
November 10, 2023
The sequel to Animal Farm we probably didn't need. Picking up about 30 years after the events of that book, Biles spins an entertaining tale of the next generation of Manor Farm, after the passing of Napoleon. Things aren't going well! Biles is clever if predictable, poking fun at Boris Johnson and Donald Trump and Brexit, but also COVID and Twitter, and it's a bit much. His style is lively and entertaining, which made the book a fun read, but he doesn't really fresh insights as to why the last few years sucked so hard.
March 30, 2024
This is a tricky book to rate. My rating is based on enjoyment . "Beasts of England" though really humorous is like "Animal Farm" a black view of human nature, the way we have used the world and the way we relate to each other. Sadly though the metaphor with current politics and problems holds horribly true. So I found it a difficult read. I did enjoy two thirds of it but the ending is just too dire. It is difficult to read about a future of doom and gloom when the future is so uncertain.
July 12, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. We’re returning to Manor Farm and it’s fully updated to the current climate.
Packed full of references to political figure and current affairs of the last 20 years or so, references to the original Animal Farm as well as some to 1984, with the very first news article about the farm being written by Winston’s colleague from Minitrue Syme.
A fabulously absurd and satirical parable for our current dystopian times. I recommend the audiobook which had me bursting out laughing quite a few times.
Packed full of references to political figure and current affairs of the last 20 years or so, references to the original Animal Farm as well as some to 1984, with the very first news article about the farm being written by Winston’s colleague from Minitrue Syme.
A fabulously absurd and satirical parable for our current dystopian times. I recommend the audiobook which had me bursting out laughing quite a few times.
January 3, 2024
3 days in and 2024 started off with a banger. 4.5 stars really, but an enjoyably excellent - and dark - return to Manor Farm, updated with biting satirical commentary on all the ridiculousness and seriousness of our current political clusterfuck thanks to Brexit, Trump and the rise of far-right popularism...and laced with warnings should these anti-democratic trends continue...I can't help but feel that this is what Animal Farm must have felt like in 1945...
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