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Nineteen Eighty-Four

By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Philip Glenister
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Summary

Nineteen Eighty-Four is a classic dystopian novel by English author George Orwell. Published in 1949, it is set in the eponymous year and focuses on a repressive, totalitarian regime. Read by gritty and accomplished actor Philip Glenister from the acclaimed crime series Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. The story follows the life of one seemingly insignificant man, Winston Smith, a civil servant assigned the task of falsifying records and political literature, thus effectively perpetuating propaganda, who grows disillusioned with his meagre existence and so begins an ultimately futile rebellion against the system.

The novel has become famous for its portrayal of surveillance and society's increasing encroachment on the rights of the individual. Since its publication, the terms Big Brother and Orwellian have entered the popular vernacular. This is a special celebratory release to celebrate 60 years since Nineteen Eighty-Four was first published.

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What listeners say about Nineteen Eighty-Four

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A must read.

This story is akin to the dystopia love story of a Hand Maid’s Tale but I found 1984 to be better. It was better because it delved into the other areas of the context/setting a bit more.

I learned more about human nature in 1984 and there were meaningful concepts in it that I will remember for life, eg, Child Hero & 2 minutes of hate.

Chapter 4 was my favourite chapter. He reads the forbidden book in this chapter and the concepts in that book are patently relevant in 2020 as they clearly were when Orwell wrote this book.

Overall I enjoyed the book and the voice reading it. I became lost in its world from time to time.

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Philip Glenister was spot on.

Any additional comments?

Philip Glenister was a perfect choice, he should definitely do more narration. Want to listen to it all over again right now, wonderful.

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  • Overall
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Superb performance of an all time classic

Little needs to be said of Orwell's masterpiece itself, without a shadow of a doubt the most eerie and the most believable of all Dystopian fiction. However, what is highly praiseworthy is the performance by Philip Glenister and the occasional fading out music at the end of each chapter.
This has assured that despite having read the book previously, I will certainly be listening to this masterpiece again.

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just like today

A really scarey book. so much of it is happening today. New speak is now legally enforced in the UK

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Not my favourite narrator

I found this narrator somewhat monotonous and his depiction of Julia dreadful. It ruined her character for me. Obviously a good story though...

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  • Overall
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Captivating story and narrator

I love this book. I've listened to it several times after downloading it. Philip Glenister gives it the 'edge', emphasising the sinister aspects of the story. He's a perfect choice for the book. Bravo.

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Classic!!

A classic story and all to pertinent subject matter in recent times!! Everyone should read/listen to this story at least once in their lives!! Very well told by Phillip Glenister!!

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Not for paranoid people...

What made the experience of listening to Nineteen Eighty-Four the most enjoyable?

The performance was great and the story is very interesting even if it is not a new concept anymore it put a different light on it. Also when you take into perspective then it was written it scares you how some how some things are accurate.

What does Philip Glenister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He doesn't express emotions when he reads which make it you feel like you observe this dystopian world from a distance.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Phenomenal book - brilliantly read

If you could sum up Nineteen Eighty-Four in three words, what would they be?

Seminal and prosaic

What did you like best about this story?

One of the most important works of fiction of the 20th century (only 'just' fiction given its social realism and relevance). Should be read by every teenager and re-read by every adult.

What does Philip Glenister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Does a great job at breaking up the parts and characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

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  • Overall
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Excellent.

1984 is one of my favourite books, and Philip Glenister gives such a great narration to the story. (I enjoyed his narration so much I’ve actively sort out other audiobooks he’s done!)

Really excellent version of a great book.

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