The book, Animal Farm, is an insightful interpretation of the events leading up to and during the reign of Joseph Stalin in Russia during the early 1900s. When the character, Old Major, dies after his empowering speech to the other animals, they decide to trust his guidance and wisdom of equality for all animals. They carry out their plan of building a rebellion and drive Mr. Jones and his wife out of the farm. Their new principals of Animalism have the main goal of equality amongst all the animals, but as their fair and blissful lives commence, tension builds on the farm as competition for leadership grows. Unexpected changes arise and Old Major’s original and inspiring ideas seem to be forgotten. Animal farm is based on Russia and the Soviet Union under the rule of the Communist Party and the reign of Joseph Stalin. Each character in this book is very well developed and represents one or more well-known figures during the Russian Revolution.

Although classics may not be my first choice of reading genre, Animal Farm is a shorter and more accessible classic that held my attention though every page. This historic novel is a creative and thought-provoking story to read if you’re intrigued by Russian history, or if you would like a classic with more accessible prose. George Orwell captures the lifestyle of those in Russia during the 1920s through to the 1940s, and tells the history in a simple and informational way.

I would recommend this fictional interpretation of the Russian Revolution.