FAHRENHEIT 451 Review

I recently read the dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury, which kind of talks about the fires burning in our society and in our hearts. Here's my review of the book.

'Stuff your eyes with wonder, he said, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.’

Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel that talks about a world where people no more function like normal human beings who are supposed to think, feel and observe naturally but rather just exist as robots who do as directed. There is a dearth of warmth, love and attachment in this world and what is so peculiar about it is that hardly anyone questions it. They just keep living as long as they are entertained, because apparently that is what matters and not thinking about things like life, happiness, people and philosophy.

The novel is basically divided into three parts wherein the protagonist first realises (thanks to a character who acts like a catalyst) that there is something horribly wrong with the way they live. Then in the second part he tries to explore the ideal world and all the things that he was never introduced to before and begins to adopt them. After which comes the third part, and that is, the time to bear the consequences of his doings.

What works beautifully here is that even though Ray Bradbury wrote this book in 1953, that is, 67 years ago, it still hits you hard with its relevance. He talks about a time where people are losing touch with their own selves as well as their loved ones, which is slowly also engulfing us right now, with the expanse of technology. He writes about books being completely banned, which is happening in several parts of the world currently and he has written about how the government has made puppets out of people, brainwashing them and hiding the truth from them. Just look at North Korea.

Another thing I absolutely love about this novel is that he has written about books so very beautifully.

‘Do you know that books smell like nutmeg or some spice from a foreign land? I loved to smell them when I was a boy.’

There is almost like a debate revolving around books, going on among the characters in the novel, wherein you actually feel your blood boiling at certain points and you almost feel like if our generation doesn’t do something about the dearth of readers, then we will also face the same consequences as the characters in the book.

There are certain questions that the protagonist asks himself in the book that you end up asking yourself as well, because somewhere as readers we relate to all of it. It is a book that almost forces you to take risks, be more curious about everything, ask questions and most importantly, love openly, connect with people and not as a formality but out of love. Talk about your life, talk about your feelings, listen to others talking. Go for a hike, visit your grandparents, look at the waves hit the shore and most of all, don’t be in a hurry. Enjoy each and every moment blissfully, because if we don’t connect on an emotional level, then we will be missing so much that this world has to offer.

I would recommend this book to all the young people who are questioning the government policies, who are trying to find meaning in their lives and all those readers who feel that people really need to read more!