In anthropology, it is often assumed that you can study the big topics of social theory in small confined places. In a fictional form, this hope is realized here, although the microcosm clearly parallels historical developments of the 20th century, masking communists as animals.

I guess the story is familiar to most people. The animals of a farm in England overtake their human masters (in the so-called Rebellion) after having heard a revolutionary speech of one of their eldest members. At the start of their new venture, they declare Seven Commandments (the principles of Animalism) by which to life, in this way guaranteeing that in the future they will not only be their own masters, living in equality, but that they will also not become as foul as their masters had been. Of course, some of the smarter animals (the pigs, with the help of the dogs) assume somewhat of a leading role, and it's not long before they are establishing more and more privileges for themselves. Of particular interest are the deceptive and propagandious means by which they rule.

It's one of those books that might almost be too smooth. I enjoyed this, but it's so perfectly composed that everything happens exactly as you would expect it to. Anyway, it's really beautifully written and there are some moments that really moved me, most and foremost the fate of the horse Boxer (together with Clover and Benjamin, certain my favorite characters of the book). What a bummer.

Rating: 4/5