1984 by George Orwell

"1984" by George Orwell, published in 1949, is a dystopian novel set in a future where totalitarianism reigns supreme. The story follows Winston Smith, a worker at the Ministry of Truth in the superstate of Oceania, ruled by the Party and its leader, Big Brother. The Party exercises total control over every aspect of life, employing surveillance, propaganda, and brutal repression to maintain power. Winston begins a forbidden love affair with Julia and dreams of rebellion, but they are betrayed and captured by the Thought Police. Under torture, Winston's resistance is crushed, and he ultimately succumbs to the Party's oppressive rule. The novel explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, truth and reality manipulation, language and thought control, and the struggle between individuality and collectivism.