Animal Farm Audiobook By George Orwell cover art

Animal Farm

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Animal Farm

By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
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George Orwell's classic satire of the Russian Revolution is an intimate part of our contemporary culture, quoted so often that we tend to forget who wrote the original words. It is an account of the bold struggle that transforms Mr. Jones' Manor Farm into Animal Farm, a wholly democratic society built on the credo that All Animals Are Created Equal. Out of their cleverness, the pigs Napoleon, Squealer, and Snowball emerge as leaders of the new community in a subtle evolution that bears an insidious familiarity. The climax is the brutal betrayal of the faithful horse Boxer, when totalitarian rule is re-established with the bloodstained postscript to the founding slogan: But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others.To supplement the full text version of George Orwell's Animal Farm, listen to the SparkNotes Guide for Animal Farm.©1946 Harcourt Brace and Jovanich, Inc. (P)1991 Blackstone Audiobooks Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking British Literature

Editorial review


By Seth Hartman, Audible Editor

ANIMAL FARM IS STILL THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLITICAL SATIRE

Like many American public school goers, I was introduced to Animal Farm at the ripe old age of 13. While I was, by all accounts, a novice when it came to world history, it didn’t take me long to realize that there was something special about this book. While the setting of a farm was certainly familiar territory to me, this was no nursery rhyme.

With other books to his name—most notably, 1984—George Orwell made no bones about his political opinions. Using adorable farm animals, this scathing allegory depicts an interpretation of the Bolshevik uprising and ensuing Russian Revolution. While revolution can bring hope, Orwell shows the darker implications of political upheaval and the reality of changing regimes. Ultimately, this book is about a futile quest for equality amidst political turmoil.

It is really difficult not to feel optimistic when a group of subservient creatures manages to take out the tyrannical farmer. However, Orwell illustrates that it takes more than revolution to establish a fair system of governance. The power vacuum that is created in the farmer’s absence can be felt by all of the animals, and it doesn’t take long for someone to step up. In a not-so-subtle piece of parallel imagery, the pigs are the animals that manage to seize control of the farm after the uprising takes place. While they seem to rule with a more pro-animal outlook than the farmer did, it doesn’t take long for the true colors of their leader, Napoleon, to show.

Above all else, Animal Farm is a cautionary tale. George Orwell seems to be of the opinion that no governing body is capable of providing true equality to its subjects. Unfortunately, there haven’t been too many real-life governments that have pulled this off. While this book is specifically satirizing Soviet communism, many of the issues presented within these pages still apply to this day. Now that I am a few years older with more historical knowledge under my belt, listening to this book again has given me an even deeper look into Orwell’s twisted world. Ralph Cosham's smooth narration doesn't hurt either, adding an extra dimension to the book.

I think it is so important that Animal Farm remains a staple title for young students to read. While some may interpret Orwell’s vision as purely anti-communist, history has made it clear that the messaging within is more widely applicable. I would never accuse this book of being a light read, but the whip-fast pacing and biting satire make it an incredibly enjoyable one. Long live Orwell!

Continue reading Seth's review >

Critic reviews

"A wise, compassionate, and illuminating fable of our times....The steadiness and lucidity of Orwell's merciless wit are reminiscent of Anatole France and even of Swift." (The New York Times Book Review)

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Okay, that is not the message of George Orwell's Animal Farm. This classic story was released 72 years ago and remains relevant today. I purchased this audio book to listen to Ralph Cosham narrate one of my favorite books. Cosham, who died in 2014, never disappoints.

Never trust a pig!

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Orwell makes it clear that collectivism always results in some being more equal than others, and that it only brings misery for all. Entertaining and necessary read!

Required Reading List

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If you could sum up Animal Farm in three words, what would they be?

Witty Ant-communism

Who was your favorite character and why?

Squealer- He was tasked with doing the mental gymnastics to hew to the Party Line.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene at the end when the pigs were dancing on two feet.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I was more impressed by the author's fidelity o the true picture of Communism.

Animal Farm is the best Ant-communist book.

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The more time that passes, it seems Animal Farm and 1984 become more and more relevant. With the overload of information nowadays, I think reading these kinds of books puts more things in perspective than any amount of news articles or shows you could possibly watch.

More Relevant in 2020

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Read this book in my 8th grade English class in 2004. At the time, I did not understand it’s meaning and the real cost of communism. I’m really happy I circled back to it.

This book aged like a fine wine.

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I absolutely loved this book. It is so relevant with the turmoil of today's politics.

This book is amazing

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I read this book in the past and decided in times like these it was very important to listen again. Highly prophetic! Everyone should read/listen to this book!

Classic!

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I read this book in high school & enjoyed it then but listening to it now even makes it better! This and most of his works should be thought in every school! love the last line about some animals are more equal than others!

love George Orwell

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It’s a shame we don’t have this taught/read in high school anymore. It models the tragic cycle of socialism/communism and the suffering and destruction that typically follows the societies that embrace it whole hog. Pun intended.

Oldie but goodie

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Many times over, Orwell's stories have come to be in ALL continents. Two-leg creatures lack the ability of learning from history, thus, condemning themselves to repeating it. Orwell was a writer with prophetic vision.

History echoes

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