I often avoid hype when it comes to books (and movies etc.) unfortunately I had heard of this book long before I had the desire to read it. Widely lauded as one of the most important works of science fiction as well as Ray Bradbury's greatest triumph. It would be an understatement to say I was a little intimidated when I picked it up.
Fahrenheit 451 was banned in some parts of the US during the Cold War period for containing some mild curse words and seemingly advocating Bible burning. (It is one of life's delightful little ironies that a book about censorship and book burning should be banned) of course the book never advocated any such thing but the book banning club never look at these things without prejudice.
The basic story is straightforward enough; Set in a society where learning is frowned upon and the population mill through life endulging themselves all day long. The main character is Guy Montag; a fireman, but not in the traditional sense. Bradbury's firemen don't put fires out, they start them with one despotic aim; to destroy books forever. Why? Reading books is strictly forbidden by the government on pain of death. When Montag rescues a book from a burning house and goes AWOL from the fire service his life begins to spin out of control. It isn't long before Montag is literally fighting for his life, forced to go on the run, a fugitive from the law.
Fahrenheit 451 is one of the most poignant and powerful books I have ever read. I would go as far as to say anyone who loves books should read this, even if they don't like science fiction. In truth it is hardly science fiction at all but just ordinary fiction set in a alternate future which contains a warning of the very real risk of this kind of thing happening on a large scale. It is a short book and only took a few days to read. I believe someone who loves books can't fail to find this chilling, moving and ultimately full of hope. A true ode to freedom and literature and just plain wonderful storytelling you don't find every day.
I don't usually put quotes from a book in my reviews but this is one of my favourite from the book:
“Most of us can't rush around, talking to everyone, know all the cities in the world, we haven't time, money or that many friends. The things you're looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book”
Final verdict 5/5
By Chris
Chris, I agree. I can't imagine a book lover NOT liking this book. It's always been one of my favorites. I re-read it often and each time I pick it up I see something I new. A must-read for sure.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this one badly. I am glad to see a positive review because my husband has tried to read it but got bored and pushed it aside.
ReplyDeleteThis was definitely a good one!
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome quote. I'm glad you broke your rule and used it. ;)
ReplyDelete@ Ti: I'm glad you like it as much as I do, its such a great book! I will be re-reading it myself as soon as I reduce my TBR pile enough! lol
ReplyDelete@ Stephanie: I'm sorry to hear your husband didn't like it, but I really hope you give it a go and blog about it, i'd be interested to read your views on it :o)
@ Amanda: Glad you liked it!
@ Kathy: I only ever break the rule if I feel the quote is worth it and on this occasion it definately was! ;o)
I read this for the first time in high school as required reading. It really moved me. When my oldest daughter had to read it last year for school I was curious to see how/if it affected her. She confessed to me that "more than once" she cried out of a sense of fear. She knows that something like that isn't likely to happen, but ya never know. I have to admit that that made me really proud. =)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds better than I expected! I've read a lot of dystopia but some people said this book wasn't very good. I must try it. It's gone on the TBR!
ReplyDeleteNow you've got me curious--why do you have your "no quotes" rule?
ReplyDelete@ KyleeJ: The book really moved me too, it is such a powerful book, especially if you love books and understand how important they are. I hope my son makes me equally proud once he starts school.
ReplyDelete@ leeswammes: I'm surprised to hear anyone can dislike this book but I guess that is a bit naive of me. We are all so different. I think this book is definately worth a try though.
@ Kathy: I have that rule for lots of reasons: I'll list them in no particular order:
1. It is effort to find and type out quotes
2. Quite often quotes mean less to someone who hasn't read the book, got to know the characters and story etc
3. It can spoil the book for someone who hasn't read it
4. It may not give an accurate depiction of how good/bad a book really is. A crappy book may have one really good quote it in which can be used to give an inaccurate picture of how good a book is or vice versa
I bet you wish you hadn't asked! ;o)
Chris
I have always feel ashamed not having read this book, which has been widely taught in high schools and colleges. The few occasions on which I almost picked it up ware discouraged by my thinking that it's sci fi. Now your review has made up my mind to peruse it. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of this book. There's nothing more terrifying to a reader than a reality like this. I am completely in love with the idea of people taking on "becoming" a book.
ReplyDelete@ Matt: Please let me know what you think of it when you read it, i'd be interested to know :o)
ReplyDelete@ Avid Reader: I know exactly what you mean, the prospect is horriying. I wonder how many readers would be willing to burn for their collections! lol
Chris
What a fabulous, and I mean fabulous, review! I've not read Fahrenheit 451 either, but thoroughly enjoyed Bradbury's Dandelion Wine and even more so his novel Something Wicked This Way Comes (especially great for October). Your line about life's irony is quite piercing to me, and of course, I completely agree with the quote you put at the end. Even when we can rush around, all too often, it's so lovely to find new adventures and slices of life in our books.
ReplyDelete@ Bellezza: That is very kind of you to say, thankyou :o)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Something Wicked This Way Comes as well. Bradbury has such an amazing imagination! I really liked that quote from Fahrenheit 451 and felt it sumed up the whole book nicely :o)
Chris
It's a classic. I listened to it read by the author. It took me years to pick it up too!
ReplyDelete@ Stacybuckeye: I'd love to hear Ray Bradbury reading Fahrenheit 451! Where did you get that audiobook from?
ReplyDeleteChris