1984
George Orwell's novel, 1984, is a dystopian classic which has become one of the most important works in modern literature. Published in 1949, it was an immediate success and has since been adapted into films, plays and operas across the world. The story follows Winston Smith as he navigates life in a totalitarian society where free will and individualism are suppressed by Big Brother – a figurehead for the oppressive government. Through his experiences, we come to understand how this regime seeks to control every aspect of its citizens' lives through surveillance, manipulation and fear-mongering tactics such as doublethink.
1984 serves as a warning against governments that oppress their people by controlling what they think or say, something that remains relevant even today given recent events around censorship on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. It also speaks to our relationship with technology: while it can be used to empower us, there is always potential for misuse when powerful institutions gain access to vast amounts of data about individuals without their knowledge or consent. This theme resonates strongly with contemporary readers who grapple with issues related to privacy violations online each day.