Free To Read: 1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell's 1984 is a dystopian novel follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking Party member in totalitarian Oceania, where the ruling Party is known only as "Big Brother”. All aspects of life are controlled through constant surveillance, propaganda and Newspeak- the new language. Winston feels frustrated by the oppression and rigid control of the Party and illegally purchases a diary to write his criminal thoughts as an act of rebellion. 1984 serves as a warning of the struggle, rebellion, betrayal, defeat, and manipulation of a totalitarian government.

Free to Read, is an ongoing book discussion series presented by the Antioch Baptist Church and the Bedford Hills Free Library, launched in response to increased efforts to target or restrict access to books in libraries and schools.  Our shared purpose is to better understand complex issues, explore our personal response to challenged and banned books, develop empathy for others, and discover our own way to protect everyone’s freedom to read.