Animal Farm

by Ian Wooldridge (Adapted by), George Orwell

George Orwell’s 1945 satire on the perils of Stalinism has proved magnificently long-lived as a parable about totalitarianism anywhere—and has given the world at least one immortal phrase: “Everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others.”This new dramatization sticks very closely to the book, and the production has toured all over England, Scotland, Wales and Romania in Orwell’s centenary year. “Dare I say it . . . as good as the book.”—Guardian

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Plays, Satire, Dystopia, Politics, Literature

96 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sioned Raybould · Rating 5 out of 5]

'All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.'
'The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.'

I feel that these two quotes sum up the message that 'Animal Farm' conveys. This short novel is a wonderful read, but it goes much deeper than its seemingly simple and gripping plot. 'Animal Farm' is a satirical account of the Russian Revolution - Stalin and his peasants. There is a lot I could say about this novel but I don't feel that I can delve deep enough to really satisfy its brilliance. All I really want to say is that communism never works and this novel proves such a point in every way possible

I advise that everybody reads this and studies the Russian Revolution in some detail to wholly understand the concept of the story. It really does go much deeper than it first appears. 5*

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I somehow managed to never read this. I have nothing novel to add to all that has already been written about this book except to say that there are many parallels to the buffoonery that is going on in American politics today (as a whole, no party lines drawn).

I got chills at the part when the pigs come marching out on two legs, no lie.

[Dezra Bennett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Napoleon and Trump seem to be one in the same. I can't even...😔

[Nerdish Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

"E I E I O"

I originally chose this book for the "book you can finish in a day" category for the PopSugar challenge, but I decided it would also be a good choice for The Classics Club challenge too.

I have owned Animal Farm by George Orwell for years and at one point it spent about a year on my bathroom floor as I was planning on reading it while soaking in the bath, but just kept choosing other books instead.

Before I continue, I should say that there are spoilers in my review, if you've read the book, then please do carry on reading, if not then go away, read the book and then come back and carry on reading,

The book is written exceptionally well and I'd say that the language used stands the test of time and if you read it without knowing how old the book was, you wouldn't realise that it wasn't a modern story. However there is something I hate in this book and that is the songs! Oh how I hate songs in books, I always skip over them. I skipped them in The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. I just don't read songs in books unless I absolutely have to and even then its begrudgingly.

About the actual story, I know its based on the Soviet Union at the time but in animal form and that obviously this is a story, but there were just some things that I felt were "off". I feel that after the initial speech that Major gave about having a dream and that animals should rise up and life would be better etc, he mentioned that no matter what, when animals died they were sent to the knackers and yet when he dies a few days later, he was buried nicely under a tree on the farm grounds. To me this should have raised questions immediately as to what he had said about the way they were being treated and should have caused doubts in the minds of the more intelligent animals.

Another thing that I could not quite get my head around was the fact that Farmer Jones would just abandon his farm whether his animals had attacked or that he was an alcoholic. It was stated that he had a shot gun from the beginning and even if he didn't have it on him when they attacked and he had to run off, any normal human being, let alone a farmer, would have come back with others if necessary and whipped the animals back into shape or had them slaughtered to make money off their meat. I can't see why a human would give up their home and lively hood over one case of crazy animals. Yes the way he was treating the animals and the farm itself was terrible and no he did not deserve to have any of it, but that wouldn't change his own mind about the fact that he owned the property.

Around two thirds of the way into the book, you cold be mistaken for thinking that you were reading 1984 (a book which I love) due to the "big brother" atmosphere and the regimented way things were being run. By this stage I was just waiting for the end as I felt the story had pretty much run its course and all I wanted to see was which way Orwell would go with the ending. When it did finally finish, the story was just left hanging, which I guess must have been the intention to show that life goes on and that nothing has really changed, but I would have liked something a little more definite or even, as it is a story, a happier ending.

There were a few characters in the book that I really liked, but none as much as the big strong work horse, Boxer. He was such a solid character, he was loyal and hard working and cared for everyone, putting their needs before his own. I expected his death for most of the book and when it did happen, I was upset (though not to the point of tears). I did feel more could have been done with his death and that more of a rebellion would have arisen from what occurred, but it was all smoothed over within two sentences.

All in all, this is a good book and one that I would definitely recommend to other people. It only took me just over two hours to read, so it is not a book that will eat up much of your time.

I started reading this book on the 9th of January 2015 and completed it on the 10th of January 2015

You can find this and my other reviews here http://lifeofanerdishmum.blogspot.co....

[Kathy Sung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been told that I have to read this book before I die! I wasn't quiet excited to read it when i first read the first chapter in the book, but as soon as I kept reading on, I wow on it! It was some kind of a funny book, because I thought the bigs could really talk and their slogan, "Two legs good, four legs bad" makes me really laugh on it. I can now see why people consider this to be such an important book. People interested in history and that time era, will definitely enjoy this and will probably understand all the hidden meanings. Animal Farm is such a great book!

[Dawson Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very creative book, and shows lots of personification. The creativity of allowing animals to talk and slowly take human personalities and actions is a powerful point of view. The authors intention was to compare Russia's government to that of animal farms. He captured this perfectly with the pigs owning lots of power and knowledge. They also slowly changed and forged new rules and laws to create better lives for them selves. This is a great book and should be read.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio the last few days while sick on the couch. I believe I read this for the first time in high school and I didn't care for it. I am upping my rating a bit, though, since this second time around I appreciated the political context much more.

[Chloe]

I really enjoyed it, what can I say it's a classic!

[Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this book i was able to understand what was happening and what they were trying to combine the reading with. Like in real life this is related to the Russian and French, how the leaders in Russia were trying to become their own country " the Russian Revolution". But in the book it is different like the leaders are animals and instead of countries they are farms and some of the animals are like the leaders during the Russian Revolution. This book was not easy for me to read because their were some parts were i did not get anything i read until i read it over again. I am no the best reader so it took me a long time to finish it. But if you like to read something that has to do with history and have another perspective and a different perspective then this is the book to read

[Ryan Hamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Four legs good, two legs bad" George Orwell's masterpiece Animal Farm is an amazingly written satire upon the failed Soviet Union. Orwell attempts to educate and caution the populous on the dangers of possible totalitarianism. The book follows the death of a symbolic Lenin, who inspires his fellow animals to overthrow the human "pigs". Eventually, however, the new leaders become indistinguishable from humans leading to greater oppression. Animal Farm presents a different perspective on the dangers of totalitarianism while providing insight into current political turmoil. Prepare to settle in and read for hours as Orwell grasps you with his intelligent, and pertinent writing.

[Richard Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animal Farm / 1984Animal Farm

A highly ambitions project that began somewhat unsurely with a bout of diahorrea and incontinance with a spell of quaint levity. Somewhat magical convergence away from it means a better life for me.

1. Said as done.
2. Did as done.
3. Warranted and abid.
4. Nice.
5. Fun.

Thanks a bunch! R.

[Lukas · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me, this play is children's theatre for adults. However, going back to Anne Washburn's play "Mr. Burns," this play seems like an abstraction of Orwell's novel. For those who have not recently read this piece applaud it for its adaption, however, being someone who read this play immediately after reading the book, I was quite disappointed. It's an interesting take. Very epic theatre.

[Sourav Jha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is still of much relevance to the present scenario and many condition... Especially the last line of the book.. "the creatures outside looked from pig to man and from man to pig, and from pig to man again" but already it was impossible to say who was who..... A very quick read, very interesting. Writing is also very simple.

[Vasyl Yosypenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book show the true face of kommunizm ideology: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". If you try to be disagree with rules that have been created by specilal persons for theirs profit, you will be killed. No questions, no protests, - just work and died for "bright ideas" that you have to share.

[Mehrshadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

goood

[Vasilka Angelova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a little book, but great one. You can see how everything happens in 1943 and still happening today.

[Jennifer Yanos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting book. There were parts where the accuracy of government corruption made me sick to my stomach!
My favourite line: “Four legs good, two legs better!”

[B L · Rating 1 out of 5]

bad

[Kh Hamad · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again: but already it was impossible to say which was which”

Amazing!

[Sims Sijamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple but mighty, withholding different interpretations. But definitely a good read.

[Dhruv]

This book is great as the ending keep on going with these types of books

[Betty-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. The author is concise and the story moves along briskly. It shows how a revolution becomes a dictatorship.

[liza mayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

painfully pertinent (adaptation jumps a bit but like how it made more of a main character out of clover)

[Guilherme Gontijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essa semana tive o privilégio de ler “A Revolução dos Bichos” de George Orwell. Ao mesmo tempo em que fiquei impressionado com a grande sacada de Orwell ao criticar não apenas o Stalinismo, mas todo e qualquer governo de esquerda, foi impossível não abaixar a cabeça no fim do livro e passar por alguns minutos de luto. Deitado em minha cama eu estava completamente chocado, como quem olha para o fundo de um abismo e perde o fôlego por não conseguir mensurá-lo.

Qualquer um de nós que tenha crescido em um país da América Latina sabe que todos os livros de história aqui seguem o mesmo padrão. Não importa se estamos falando da Argentina, Brasil, Chile ou Venezuela: Somos um povo bonito oprimido pelos gananciosos e que em um ato esperançoso tomamos o poder que é nosso por direito e o demos a um dos nossos patriotas. E com o passar dos anos, devagarinho e silenciosamente, os dez mandamentos que escrevemos para nos garantirem ordem e progresso vão sendo relativizados e reinterpretados por aqueles que na sua pretensa altivez e justiça reinterpretam os mandamentos que condenam seus próprios focinhos.

Quando menos esperamos acordamos em nossas camas e nos questionamos se os opressores dos quais fomos libertos não eram mais amáveis e justos do que nossos atuais libertadores. Se na era da servidão não tínhamos mais a ordem e o progresso que sorriem tristes em nossa flâmula. Tremíamos nas bases ao lembrar dos tempos de cabresto, mas diante do que passamos a viver depois de anos lutando por um país melhor, começamos a recordar que junto com os cabrestos recebíamos água fresca, açúcar e um feno quente sob o qual deitar no fim do dia.

E então chegamos à conclusão de que, Molly, a égua que criticamos duramente por ter fugido para a fazenda vizinha logo no início de nossa revolução, foi e é a única verdadeira patriota. Molly foi a única que compreendeu desde o início que liberdade não é a ausência dos cabrestos e, sim, pertencer a um dono justo.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Four legs good, two legs bad,” the animals agree at Manor Farm. But later a leader declares: “All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.”

And so we relive the famous parable by George Orwell, written after the perverted ugliness of World War II in his political satire about totalitarianism. For those who did not already know him, “Animal Farm” made Orwell famous.

Ian Wooldridge adapted the story for the stage in the early eighties while directing a touring company in Glasgow. He published it fourteen years ago. Modern audiences may not know the Soviet history that inspired Orwell’s story. But in discussions after productions of the play, Wooldridge found that the audience identified each of the pigs as a current politician.

I read “Animal Farm” several times over the years, most recently eight years ago after Wisconsin elected a radical conservative populist. Animal Farm

Reading this version for the stage cuts the chaff, saving the pithy dialogue for a quick tale, presented without intermission.

Looking forward to this famous political novel coming to life on the main stage when The Rep produces it. https://www.milwaukeerep.com/Tickets-...

Ian Wooldridge, who adapted the novel for the stage, gave an interview to Milwaukee Public Radio that aired today. Adapting an Iconic Piece of Literature: 'Animal Farm' at the Milwaukee Rep. http://wuwm.com/post/adapting-iconic-...

[Patrick Neylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued to know how Animal Farm could be adapted to the stage. The answer is, it hasn't been. My drama group had great fun reading it, but at no point could I see any drama going on. What we have is Orwell's classic prose in dialogue form, which would make a great radio play, with vague stage directions for the two or three bits of action (e.g. "There is a revolution and Jones is expelled").

The problem isn't that an imaginative director can't portray a cast of animals; it's that nothing really happens in the play. It's all talk with some very long speeches, which seldom makes for great theatre. I didn't think Animal Farm could be adapted to the stage. On this evidence, I still think so.

[Emil Batchev · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was interesting to read but after you have been placed into the world of animal farm it got very obvious. Personally I found that what happened next was always very obvious and did not enjoy reading the book as much as I could have because of it. All the leading up bits just got irritating as I already knew what was going to happen just from what information I had. The book was alright in my opinion but I would not recommend it to many people. If you like politics this might be a book to look into as that is a key part of the book if you read between the lines.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read in high school. Couldn't stand it - it dragged on too much and lacked subtlety. The critique did not seem as clever or veiled as it could have been. Maybe it was just hindsight, since I knew it was about the Soviet Union before I read it. And I find talking animals outside of fantasy or children's lit just a little too boring.

[Carman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the message,but the ending was lacking. I don't like it when a book ends without letting you know what happens later. Or at least how the story ended. What happened to the animals after the last page of the book? Did they rise up against Napoleon? Did they do something else? These are things only the author can tell us, by finishing his story.

[emily :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a big fan of this book. I thought that it is more suited for older people but I had to read it for school. I have to read it again in like three years so maybe I will have a different opinion