Genre: dystopia, political satire
Key Stage: 3 and 4 (11+)
Rating: ★★★★★
Animal Farm, George Orwell (1945)
Plot: Animal Farm is set in a dystopian future where animals can walk, talk, and decide to overthrow their human masters as they have had enough of their oppression.
Positives: I liked Animal Farm because the story seems quite simple on the surface, but once you dig deeper, it reveals more about the world we live in. Orwell did intend for Animal Farm to be an allegory of the Russian Revolution of 1917, so it does make sense that it explores how society works. I particularly liked the character of Boxer, a hardworking but naïve horse. Boxer is loyal and diligent but unfortunately, he is betrayed by those he trusted the most.
Negatives: I really can’t think of any! Animal Farm is a classic that we should all read, and learn from.
If you like this, you might like: The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Reviewer: Ms Sed