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Animal Farm  By  cover art

Animal Farm

By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
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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 >

Publisher's summary

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

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)

Featured Article: 40+ Thought-Provoking George Orwell Quotes


George Orwell transformed literature with his piercing social commentary and allegorical style. His works have become so entrenched in popular culture that the term "Orwellian" is used to describe totalitarian and authoritarian societies. Orwell also wrote nonfiction books and essays that similarly express his gift for satire and controversial views on government. Throughout his writing career, he never feared tackling challenging topics, no matter how subversive.

What listeners say about Animal Farm

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A very relevant read for today

Loved it and I think it is a must read for today. The sheep remind me of the fake media.

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Highly Recommended

The story was profound and well written. The performance was perfect. This is definitely one of my favorites!

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Great read. How foolish a group can be when led b

loved it! how easily non-thinkers can be led astray by manipulative leaders. ignorance is slavery!

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classic goodness

This is such a classic story of we sheep who call ourselves humans. Often following blindly.

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Neat

I really enjoyed it. It really helps with understanding certain events in history. I recommend this book.

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Classic for a reason

Everyone should read this book. The forward in this version is thought provoking, don't skip it.

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Waste of Time......Just like the Windmill!!

What disappointed you about Animal Farm?

This book is raved about and so I thought it would be good, but it wasn't. I was expecting the links between the animals and humans to be more subtle, meaning the reader had to think about the book, but they were blatantly obvious.

What could George Orwell have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

He could have made the plot less obvious. Also I feel the first few and the last few chapters were important and the rest was really just filler.

What about Ralph Cosham’s performance did you like?

The fact that he made a dull book mildly tolerable is an achievement. I thought the different voices made the book more colourful. It was very well read.

What character would you cut from Animal Farm?

The better question is which character WOULDN'T I cut.

Any additional comments?

Don't wast your time with this book if you want to listen to something with substance.

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4 legs good 2 legs bad

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to anyone. Society must always guard itself against fascists and that fight will never end. A book for all time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Boxer. He set his own standard for expectations and always strived for better. Naïve yes but lovably so.

What about Ralph Cosham’s performance did you like?

The narrator was perfect with an authoritative and strong voice.

Any additional comments?

Once you have completed Animal Farm, move on to 1984. Orwell finished his career with two of the most important books of the twentieth century. Both books should resonate with current events. I have read both several times and i have to say the audible versions made me love them even more. I shall return to them again in the future.

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Speaker has personality

Loved the delivery. Speaker gave the characters personality through his inflection. I felt like I could see and hear the characters!

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Short but Powerful

Orwell’s short story is very reminiscent of 1984 and It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair. The slow fall of the farms happiness and liberty from, among other things, their inability to remember, is a warning that holds strong still. Knowing our past leads to seeing a brighter future. Wonderful tale that everyone should read, but better if you know the history of WWII.

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