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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Timeless Allegory • Powerful Warning • Excellent Narration • Accessible Symbolism • Emotional Impact • Relevant Critique

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This is a great social commentary about human behavior using animals. The narration was outstanding. I will definitely will give this another listen.

Timeless classic

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My husband advised that I listen to this book! He was right. I see so many parallels with our modern political situation within this book.

Great recommendation

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I've been putting off reading this book for about 20 years. I got it as part of some 2 for 1 audible special or something. I'd say it was worth the time to listen to it.

The story is a great cautionary tail, and it certainly held my attention the entire time.

I'm deducting 1 star because the story lacked any trace of subtlety. The message was shoved down our throats. The other 4 stars I'm keeping, because it was a message that everyone should hear.

Not much to say that hasn't been said already

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Old Major delivers a moving speech in the first chapter, wherin he waxes elequently his dream of animals living, thriving and prospering together as equals. Like communism, this is quite the deceptively flowery sentiment; especially on paper. However, ALSO like communism, it's a living nightmare, as the listener will soon find out. For those of you who have never read the book or seen the movie, don't expect a happy ending. Dont even expect a climax. This is not just a book that brings to light the evil that is communism, but contains a vivid lesson about being complacent in the face of totalitarianism. Prepare for a story that just grows bleaker by the page.

Antifa Farm

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Gut wrenching! Americans haven’t had to face the reality of communism; yet today that possibility is very real. This book portrays how a nation fall victim to communism and what life is under communism.

If we don’t stay vigilant and safeguard our political and economic structure we too will be living on the Animal Farm. Your reward for letting communism takeover is chapters 9 and 10, that is if you survive chapters 1-8.

A reality slap in the face

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