Tom’s Comments (group member since Jun 25, 2020)

Tom’s comments from the Orwell Matters group.

I recently challenged my Mum to read Animal Farm. My Mum is a keen reader, but by her own admission, she doesn't care much for the details of history, nor is she overly interested in politics. Luckily she liked the book, but as a story, not for its political meaning.
I got me thinking, can you read works such as animal farm and 1984 without any knowledge of the symbolism. I suppose that all books mean something and are all political in a sense, and although you may not know exactly what they mean but you appreciate the moment. Mum would have appreciated that boxer was being oppressed, does it matter that she did not recognise that Boxer represented the Russian working class?

Let me know your thoughts? and mums in the group, so be kind lol

How is appeasing Hitler? Would you recommend?
Thanks for the Rec on To Calais, will have a look.

Thanks Alicia,

I am currently reading his volumes, id say around 70% finished. Have you read the Tribune essays? Specifically the article about an hypothetical debate with a flat earther? Which is actually just Orwell debating with himself. Iconic seen as that is what most of his work about, however, he overtly does it just that in one article.

Happy for a Huxley vs Orwell Thread. I would also recommend adding Yevgeny Zamyatin to that, seen as his book, WE, spawned both Brave new World and 1984. Even though Huxley denied it, Brave new world is guilty of direct plagiarism from WE.

Create a a discussion thread if you wish, i will of course contribute :-)

No I appreciate that as I want the group to grow, I’ll check out your groups to get ideas.

Thanks

Cheers for the Rec on Mcfarlane. Shame theres nothing else you fancy on the list. It think, the Windrush Betrayal, and, The age of Surveillance Capitalism, look really interesting.

I know a few other people who have read Say Nothing and like you have rated it highly. It`s on my `to read` list and i am wanting to work my way around to it this year.

For anyone else who`s interested, see this review of The Age of Surveillance Capitalism from counter punch magazine. Looks interesting, especially for those who are keen dystopians. The book analyses capitalism, from Ford ((Car maker (No doubt a symbolic starting place, bringing in Huxley`s Brave New World)), to Google and other tech companies roles today.

https://www.counterpunch.org/2019/07/...

Does anyone else fancy Surveillance Capitalism and would like to read it as a group?

Ewell

Hi Sandra, Thanks for joining. Lovely you have you.

I agree on 1984! whilst its bloody fantastic, i believe his best book is, The Road to Wigan Pier.

I have suggested a book from the Orwell prize shortlist to read and discuss. Its on the other discussion thread, let us know what you think. :-)

Has anyone read any of the Orwell Prize books that are shortlisted for Political Writing?

They are:
Appeasing Hitler
Invisible Women
Margaret Thatcher- Authorised Biography
Some kid i taught and what they taught me
The age of surveillance capitalism
The Windrush Betrayal
Underland

Are there any books from the list that people may be interested in reading as a group?

I have created a Orwell Prize bookshelf for you all to look at the books :-D

Cheers Mate,

Feel free to invite others you may know from your large following :-D , who may be interested in this group.

Cheers
Ewell

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the group. If you can spare a few moments to let me know what you would like the group to do, in terms of activities and discussions.

I want to create a platform for Orwell fans to discuss Orwell, other than that happy for suggestions on activity.

Cheers
Ewell