The short novel is dystopian allegory in which animals play the roles of the Bolshevik revolutionaries and overthrow and oust the human owner of a farm (Manor Farm), renaming it Animal Farm and setting it up as a commune in which, at first, all animals are equal; however, class and status disparities soon emerge between the different animal species (the pigs being the "greater species"). The novel describes how a society's ideologies can be manipulated and twisted by those in positions of social and political power, including how Utopian society is made impossible by the corrupting nature of the very power necessary to create it.
The novel addresses not only the corruption of revolution by its leaders but also highlights how wickedness in human nature (indifference, ignorance, greed and myopia) destroys any possibility of Utopia. While this novel deigns poor leadership as the flaw in revolution (and not the revolution of itself), it also shows how ignorance and indifference to problems within a revolution let the horrors happen.
This is a great list for selecting outside reading books. Some of these books though include themes that may be offensive and as such it may be a good idea to consult with your parents, librarians, counselors, and/or Mr. Williamson about your reading selection. This can help you choose the best book for you from among your many options.
How to Write An Effective Book Review
Introduce the subject, scope, and type of book
· Identify the book by author and title
· Specify the type of book (fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography, etc.)
· Mention the books theme
Briefly summarize the content
· For a nonfiction book, provide an overview, including paraphrases and quotations, of the book’s thesis and primary supporting points
· For a work of fiction, briefly review the story line for readers, being careful not to give away anything that would lessen the suspense for future readers.
Provide your reactions to the book
· Describe the book
o Is it interesting, memorable, entertaining, instructive? Why?
· Respond to the author’s opinions
o What do you agree with? And why?
o What do you disagree with? And why?
· Explore issues the book raises
o What possibilities does the book suggest? Explain.
o What matters does the book leave out? Explain.
· Relate your argument to other books or authors
o Support your argument for or against the author’s opinions by bring in other authors you agree with.
· Relate the book to latger issues
o How did this book affect you?
o How have your opinions about the topic changed?
o How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda?
Conclude by synthesizing your ideas
· Close with a direct comment on the book
· Tie together issues raised in the review and create an interesting and new insight
· Offer advice for potential readers
Escales, Maria. "Literacy Education Online: Writing Book Reviews". St. Cloud State University. March 9, 2009
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