"1984" is probably one of the biggest selling books of the late 20th century, and has been translated into over 50 languages. It is not only a story of courage, but of struggle as George Orwell himself was very sick when he wrote it, and many say writing the book ruined his health.

George Orwell was an enigmatic figure, a humanist who died soon after he wrote one of the most readable, and thought provoking books on how tyranny effects society.

Based on a fictional post-war society, were the world is divided into three great warring empires, Winston Smith is a outer- party member living in Airstrip One, which was once Britain. The party, dominate all life, and every citizen is watched by the 'thought' police. Airstrip One is part of Oceania.

Winston works in the Ministry of Truth, his job is destroy and re-write history, as "unpersons" and bad news are erased from history. Julia, the rebel, another outer-party member works in the pornography department, and is a member of the anti-sex league.

The story 1984, has continued to outlive time, and essentially a love story between Winston Smith, and the rebellious Julia, trying to survive in a state were "War is Peace," and "Ignorance is Strength," and "Big Brother," is watching you. And those who are caught and arrested by the thought police, become "unpersons", who end up in in the:Ministry of Love."

The most terrifying aspect and mystery of the whole book, is what is the truth in the story, because once the past can controlled and erased. The party control the truth, which changes constantly. And those who question the "truth," could end up in room 101 in the Ministry of Love.

Those who carefully read the book or watch the movie, even at the end would not only be moved, and shocked but realize that many questions remain unanswered. Was Big Brother real?. Was Oceania really at War?, are two of many questions any reader would dwell over after finishing reading the book.

A Movie was made of the book season 3 imposters John Hurt, and Richard Burton. It was Richard Burtons final Movie, as he died after the Movie was finished. A coincidence considering George Orwell also died shortly after the book was published.

The Movie is freely available on Google Video, it suits a more mature audience, and its haunting soundtrack brings in the viewer into what many see as a sick, but very real society with some paradoxes to today.

The 'poor' or the proles in the story are free, but are preoccupied with the lottery, and have no interest in politics. They do not rebel, and accept as the hierarchy of society as the party. Although they insult the party, and complain, they do nothing to change things.

"Big Brother" is not a reality show, but the idea of the reality show came from 1984, were everyone is watched through the "telescreen," hidden cameras and microphones. Parallel to many of us in modern cities, constantly being watched, and monitored with CCTV cameras