Orwell's Revenge: The 1984 Palimpsest

Huber is brilliant. While 1984 itself predicts some of our 2020 political concerns, this 1996 book updates Orwell's story by adding the explosion of the internet's huge communications and database collection technology. Orwell's telescreen was important to the development of the original 1984, but today's global, cheap/free communications adopted by everyone goes beyond what Orwell wildly imagined. In 1995 Microsoft Windows 95 included a standard internet browser for the first time. The fact that Huber published only a year later is a tribute to Huber's insight. It's not an easy read as it mixes updated text and original text without explanation. Consider pulling out your dog-eared 1984 from years ago to follow along. Conservatives and liberals may find that they are both actually lead by mass communications, fake news, politicians, Ministries of Truth, and giant corporations. Costly, wars between major powers are ended in a single day by decree rather than military action.

While the author is correct that Orwell held some very wrong views (more so before writing 1984) and that it is not technology that will make us subservient to a authoritarian dictator, it is a little difficult to claim that 1984 didn't happen with a straight face. We have multiple government agencies that LITERALLY save a copy of everything we've ever done online or digitally on our phones and can access it anytime without even the fake pretense of a FISA warrant. Also see: Edward Snowden, WIKI-Leaks, Letter from the deep state to the NYT, the exile of Julian Assange, and William Binney (https://www.amazon.com/Good-American-William-Binney/dp/B071DJXF7L).

I had a difficult time getting into this one, took me far longer to read than average books. I found the divergence in between the story to be both interesting from the perspective of analysis of orwells thinking and writings, but also annoying as I kept having to go back and adjust back to the story line.

This is a must have book. And would make a great gift to introduce people to the concept that privacy is important, and big corporations and all this data tracking is truly a horrific move towards totalitarian government and police state abuse of powers. Trust me, I do understand the irony of writing this review on Amazon. HA! Indefinite data retention regarding consumer trending is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of. This book is a must have. They are watching you. The flatscreen does watch you, even without a camera. Everything you do and say is recorded. This book provides interesting insight into the modern Orwellian concepts, and it's so true, it will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Completely re invented, but still true to the core. / Don't pass on this book. Buy it, while you still can.

I would suggest first off, reading or re-reading Orwell's masterpiece before embarking on this book. I regret that I didn't have that insight earlier. I struggled for about the first half of Revenge to maintain interest. Then, somewhere about mid point the writing seemed to get a spark...don't know if that is attributable to the author getting a second wind ..or to me getting a first wind. In any event I finished the book with a much higher opinion of it than I started. Huber does a brilliant job of appreciating Orwell's original message ...while disputing much of it. His arguments are offered up with style and grace rather than an attempt to skewer Orwell. No ad hominems here. Such a refreshing approach in today's world of rampant hatefulness among those who disagree.

I admit I like books written by Peter Huber. He has such an interesting perspective and clarity of insight on a range of subjects. I did not think there was anything one could do to lift the shocking despair of 1984. Orwell's Revenge leaves one hopeful.

‘Some people are born cleverer than others...’ Really??? The author shouldn’t be commenting on technology with this pre-historic mindset

This book was really interesting, especially considering current events and widespread lack of knowledge of Orwell's past. Bought two copies!

A bit a rewrite expansion and denouncement of 1984 the telescreen saves us all and capitalism is good. I do not agree with it but it seems to grow on me not so much a story more a reflection Still good for orwell fans i guess

If you're a fan of 1984, this is interesting... but does strip the joy from the 1984 premise a little. Probably better to read more Orwell instead.