Animal Farm

Fight for the Freedom. Agreement to establish a democratic system. Commandments for the secular state. And in the end, few of the fighters become “More Privileged” and rest of them “toil hard for the needs of the privileged ones… Does it resembles the state of our Country? Actually its synopsis of the “Animal Farm”  by George Orwell.

The catch here is the book was published way back in 1945, before India got its freedom. And yet, it coincidentally mirrors the Journey of India or rather many democratic states.

The fight of the freedom by animals, their abhorrence for humans, and the ultimate behavior of some animals matching with humans, is satire on our political systems.

Though according to the writer Orwell, the book is based on, events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then on into the Stalin era in the Soviet Union, its content and satirical message is much more relevant in today’s scenarios also.

It’s one of those reads, that will never fade with time, and will send you in deep thought on what our political scenario has became

The best thing about ‘Animal Farm’:-

 The Content- though written way back in 1945, I could connect with the story today also..

 Crisp writing- The writer if wanted could have converted this novella and dragged it to become full-fledged book. But he deliberately avoided that, giving thought provoking plot in small novella.

The Characters – The characters are actually inspired by certain world famous leaders. But actually you can always identify them with leaders that came into force even after book was published. This is the most important facet of “Animal Farm” that makes it relevant even today.

The Commandments – Yes, “Animal Farm”, gives you seven commandments of animal world that are modified as per changing times. It’s satire on how we change our values for our benefit.

Animal Farm was a surprise read, recommended by some Friend. And I truly recommend everyone to atleast once read this humorous – political – satire that will send you deep thoughts but with a smile on your face.

Overall  5/5 read

The famous quotes are its seven commandments and modifications thereof:

The original commandments are:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.

Later, the changed commandments are as follows:-

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.

Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey As Told by Christian

First of all, let me admit, I liked the trilogy- Fifty Shades of Grey a lot.  The time I read it, I was unmarried and it was first erotic series that introduced me to the world of BDSM. So, it was novelty. And more than that, its Ana-Grey’s love story had striking resemblance to Bella-Edward’s relationship that touched my heart. And why not, the series originally was posted as Fan-Fiction to Twilight.

Coming to Grey- Fifty shades by E L James from the point of view of Christian Grey. The story is same as First part of trilogy’s series Fifty Shades of Grey, albeit from the point of view of Christian Grey, as opposed to Anastasia’s version in first series. The idea is also inspired from Twilight series (Stephenie Meyer's unfinished version of Twilight from point of view of Edward – Midnight Sun).

Well we never got to read Mid night sun, So I had to pre – order this one for sure. The book arrived on the stipulated time, and as soon I finished my office, and home chores, and started with this. And my boy it was sooo long. I sincerely felt that the book dragged at certain points especially the occasions of sex. The negative point here is, if I didn’t know the story, I would have read word by word of it. But as knew it, I skipped the paras, where sex was feeling repetitive.

The narration- the selling point of this book, whose story world already knew, was its narration from point of view of mysterious Christian Grey, the world wanted to know, what exactly he thought of his relationship with Anastasia Steele. However this selling point turned off when I started reading this book. When Anastasia’s narration touched heart, I as a reader connected to her as like her I was novice to world of BDSM before reading this book. Like her, I was exploring this with the book. I felt like her. But I couldn’t empathize with Christian in same way. His character is too advanced in his world and I fail to form sync with him in Grey. As a reader, I fail to make a connect with protagonist. I think this is a two way sword the failure of the book as well as the success of it.

Apart from this failed relationship with narrator, the fan of series would surely enjoy the book, especially the climax. Grey’s feeling and his view to give his and Ana’s relationship a chance, will surely make up for the long drag book, Grey is. Also for original lovers like me, it will inspire you to re-read Ana’s version of Fifty Shades of Grey again.

Summarising the book in Grey's Style, the book is not Outstanding or dud....It's like its name is Grey, you won't love it, buy will surely read it.

And regarding the expectations from possible sequel, In words of Christian Grey, "Do I dare to hope?

Damn it. Yes, I do."

As a Fan of series 3.5 out of 5.

Favourite Quotes- None from Christian’s World.