(Read by Simon Prebble; Blackstone Audio; 11.5 hours; $20.97 at as a download or from for $20.95)
Originally published in 1949, Orwell's classic dystopian novel is finding new life in today's tumultuous political climate. Thought police, doublethink, Big Brother, constant surveillance, propaganda, and never-ending wars no longer seem so much like fictitious conceits. Winston Smith, our unhappy protagonist, wanders away from Oceania's party line and must face the consequences. Prebble has a refined, well-trained voice and the ability to express all of those Orwellian nuances woven into a tale rife with paranoia. He softens his voice for women and manages to make the the Appendix 鈥� the Principles of Newspeak 鈥� as entertaining as the rest of the novel. This version was released 10 years ago, so expect to download it. Grade: A 鈥�
