'Animal farm' - George Orwell

I read this book having previously read, and not enjoyed, another Orwell book '1984'.

Animal farm is novel exploring the idea of human nature and its similarities to the animal world. I believe the core message of the book is to say, that power can corrupt the most steadfast of man. That while original intentions may be for the best of all, that greed a power can change the way man thinks about himself, those around him, his peers and life in general.

In the book the animals agree on a core of rules that are in the best interest of all the animals on the farm. And how napoleon the leader of animal farm corrupted by greed and power adapted and changes the rules to suit his own needs and purposes. The animals tried so hard to take themselves apart from the humans and the societal mistakes made by their previous masters, humanity. But in the end the animals appointed leaders, the pigs, namely napoleon became just as bad if not worse than the human masters they rebelled against.

The book reminded me a lot of roman politics, which obviously lends itself to the idea of modern day politics. In that the animals were reigned over using lies and fear to govern and control them. I believe Orwell's book is as relevant to modern day society as it ever was and will remain to be relevant.

Animal Farm is set in an unspecified time period and is largely free from historical references that would allow the reader to date the action precisely. It is fair to assume, however, that Orwell means the fable to be contemporaneous with the object of its satire, the Russian Revolution (1917–1945).