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There may be spoilers in this review.

I kind of read this blindly. We did not study it in School, most likely because I chose to do History instead of Social Sciences. And I really have no interest in politics of any kind, at least not yet.

Nevertheless, even someone as ignorant as I, could clearly get the message of people corrupting the ideals of Communism. And even if you ignore all of that social satire slant, it actually works as just a cautionary fable about accepting the status quo, the dangerous influence of propaganda and blind obedience to authority.

The tale centers on Manor Farm, run by the now drunken inept and cruel master Mr Jones. After an uprising by the animals, after particularly harsh treatment and at least partly inspired by a highly respected boar named Old Major, the animals take control of the farm and take to providing themselves with food, enjoyment/recreation and safety.

Napoleon and Snowball assume somewhat of a leadership role, although disagreeing with each other at every turn. A naive, gullible but hardworking and loyal horse named Boxer begins to take to heart the new rules and decides to work harder.

After Snowball is ousted and seemingly sabotages Animal Farm, Napoleon begins to assert more and more control, even gaining a handful of loyal but aggressive dog bodyguards and getting Squealer his propaganda pig, to convince the animals to obey and believe him.

The story is written as somewhat matter of fact, something like a historical document being taught to a class. Each of the animals possesses distinct characteristics and are full of faults, vulnerable and seem to have a terrible memory.

The ending is somewhat obvious but still powerful, almost reading like a horror story with a seemingly hopeless future.

It's a very quick read, took me half a sitting pretty much. But a worthwhile one.