One of the most celebrated classics of the twentieth century, this cautionary tale of a man trapped under the gaze of an authoritarian state is more relevant now than ever before.
"Thoughtcrime was not a thing that could be concealed for ever. You might dodge successfully for a while, even for years, but sooner or later they were bound to get you." Winston Smith works in the Ministry of Truth - or Minitrue as it is called in Newspeak - where he alters newspapers and reports to follow the arbitrary dictates of Big Brother's propaganda. Beneath his outward conformity, however, Winston dreams of sharing his treasonable thoughts and breaking through the loneliness in which he lives.
Thus he takes his first dangerous steps, writing a diary of his doubts and then falling in love with a woman of the Party, the beautiful and brave Julia. They know their love is doomed, but Julia says, "They can make you say anything - anything - but they can't make you believe it."
But in Oceania, there is no possibility of solidarity, rebellion, or love - and the Party can reach anywhere.