When the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm overthrow their master Mr Jones and take over the farm themselves, they imagine it is the beginning of a life of freedom and plenty. But as a cunning, ruthless élite among them starts to take control, the other animals find themselves hopelessly ensnared as one form of tyranny is gradually replaced by another. Orwell's chilling 'fairy story' is a timeless and devastating satire of idealism betrayed by power and corruption.

 

 
This book is on my list as part of the BBC Big Read. It's also a book I've wanted to read for a long time, and given it's importance I thought it would be bigger! Everyone but me (who didn't go to school) read this in class. It's probably about time I catch up and get educated, after all these years!