Animal Farm

by George Orwell
Animal Farm cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Political, Military, Adventure
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Paperback • £3.00–£16.99 Hardback • £10.99–£20.00 CD-Audio • £19.99–£20.00
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Technical
  • ID: 1269
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2026-04-11
  • ISBN: 9780141182704
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2000-02-22
  • Formats: 575
  • Reviews: 4

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a biting satire that uses the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer to critique the corrupting influence of power. The animals, led by the pigs, establish a new society based on the principles of animalism, but soon the pigs begin to act like the humans they overthrew, leading to a dystopian regime. /n/n Published in 1945, Animal Farm has become a classic of English prose and a world-famous political allegory. Orwell's simple and tragic fable has been praised for its insightful commentary on the perversion of revolutionary ideals and the excuses used to justify such corruption.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-24
excellent 4.00

The book is packed with symbolism and meaning, making it one of the best reads. The use of anthropomorphism is particularly noteworthy.

The reviewer praises the book for its rich symbolism and deep meaning, packed into a relatively small narrative. They highlight the effective use of anthropomorphism as a standout feature. The reviewer finds the book to be one of the best, appreciating its ability to convey complex ideas through a simple yet powerful story.

Quick quotes

    One of the best - no doubt!

    So much symbolism and meaning crammed into such a small book.

    Also, a great use of anthropomorphism.

Tosin Adeoti - Medium · Tosin Adeoti · 2025-10-02
harrowing 4.75

It is a brilliant yet harrowing read that resonates with current political realities. The book is both engaging and disturbing.

Tosin Adeoti finds the book to be a brilliant yet harrowing read, particularly in how it mirrors current political realities. They appreciate the book's ability to engage readers while also making them uncomfortable with its stark portrayal of power and corruption. The reviewer sees it as a necessary read for understanding the dangers of unchecked power.

Quick quotes

    It is a brilliant yet harrowing read as it reminds us of what has been happening in Nigeria since 2015.

    The book is both engaging and disturbing.

    It is a necessary read for understanding the dangers of unchecked power.

Greenish Bookshelf · 2024-09-21
thought-provoking 4.50

The story is simple yet profound, exploring the complexities of power and ideology. The animals' journey is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The reviewer finds the story to be deceptively simple, which allows the deeper themes to shine through. They appreciate how the narrative captures the nuances of power dynamics and ideological shifts. The journey of the animals is seen as a metaphor for broader societal issues, making it a rich and rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    The story seems simple but is also so profound.

    Basically, this is the story of animals taking over a farm in England then slowly changing ...

    It is a modern fable, a parable, a story to teach a lesson.

Patrick Treardon · 2023-07-04
profound 4.00

It is a modern fable that teaches a lesson about power and corruption. The story is relevant beyond its initial context.

The reviewer sees this as a timeless story that goes beyond its original context of Russian Communism. They appreciate how it highlights the universal theme of power corrupting those who hold it. The simplicity of the story makes the profound message accessible, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in political satire.

Quick quotes

    It is a modern fable, a parable, a story to teach a lesson.

    And the lesson is about more than Russian Communists.

    It's a lesson about how power corrupts.

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