Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) By George Orwell

"And in front of him there lay not death but annihilation."

The quintessential work of George Orwell is considered to be among the greatest, most influential pieces of literature of the Twentieth Century. Indeed, few novels in human history seemed to have had the effect that Orwell's science fiction dystopia seems to have had.

"Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious."

Orwell delves into some of the most integral themes of the Twentieth Century; knowledge, sexuality, politics, identity, emotions, gender, freedom, autonomy, history, power, truth. All are intricately turned over in the hands of Orwell, who deftly presents, in both literal and metaphorical terms, a horrifying and all too perceivable truth about the nature of hierarchy.

"Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship."

What makes the story so effective is how well Orwell brings forth the mind of the reader into that of his protagonist - which, by proxy, brings forth waves of desperation and determination, hope and hopelessness, joy and devastation. It builds slowly, at first - enveloping its audience in the notions of hope and potential, before delivering forth its almighty end.

"no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it."

The book's final part is utterly chilling. It demoralises, terrifies and shocks, with brutal skill and efficiency. It crushes the reader with a wrenching finality and cruelty that is the mark of its success. It is brilliant in its horror. It is intimidating in its relevance. It is astonishing how much truth is found in Orwell's words - he crafts them expertly.

"The consequences of every act are included in the act itself."

Upon finishing the book, I was left utterly stunned, despite the undeniable feeling of inevitability that there could only be one truly effective climax. Despite being published in 1949, it is incredible just how persistent and relevant the book remains, even now. The words, theories, thoughts and suppositions of Orwell continue to uncover terrible truths in society and hierarchy, three-quarters of a century after its initial publication.

"The essential act of war is destruction, not necessarily of human lives, but of the products of human labour. War is a way of shattering to pieces, or pouring into the stratosphere, or sinking in the depths of the sea, materials which might otherwise be used to make the masses too comfortable, and hence, in the long run, too intelligent."

I think this must be considered one of the most important pieces of literature in modern history, as it is often considered to be - especially in times of such constant and simultaneously complex and simplistic conflict. The book remains as undeniable as it is necessary. It is a book that everyone should read at least once as an adult.

"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."