The theme for this year's Banned Books Week (October 5-11, 2025) is “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” An obvious nod to George Orwell's classic dystopian novel of the same name, the slogan serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day.
With an overarching message of state censorship, totalitarianism, and mass surveillance, "Nineteen Eighty-Four" boldly examines the role of truth and facts within societies and the ways in which they can be manipulated. Ironically, the novel is often cited as one of the most banned and censored books of all-time. Despite this, "1984" remains highly regarded as an important literary work, frequently studied in schools and recognized for its dreadfully prescient warning of the dangers of suppression of ideas and critical thinking. The book has also been adapted to film several times.
For more Banned Books Week content, view the American Library Association's most challenged books by year.
Nineteen Eighty-Four
Orwell, George (1949)
"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."
Hidden away in the Record Department of the sprawling Ministry of Truth, Winston Smith skilfully rewrites the past to suit the needs of the Party. Yet he inwardly rebels against the totalitarian world he lives in, which demands absolute obedience and controls him through the all-seeing telescreens and the watchful eye of Big Brother, symbolic head of the Party. In his longing for truth and liberty, Smith begins a secret love affair with a fellow-worker Julia, but soon discovers the true price of freedom is betrayal.
George Orwell's dystopian masterpiece, "Nineteen Eighty-Four" is perhaps the most pervasively influential book of the twentieth century. - Publisher's Description
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Nineteen Eighty-Four (film)
Starring John Hurt, Richard Burton, Suzanna Hamilton (1984)
Longing for freedom, the lowly bureaucrat of the Ministry of Truth, Winston Smith, summons up the courage to write down his unspoken desires in his little secret diary. Serving silently at the pleasure of the grim, autocratic hyper-state of Oceania, Smith knows that the English Socialist Party's supreme leader, the omnipotent Big Brother, watches his every move, condemning the already terrified people into a life of slavery.
Under those dire circumstances--as the totalitarian government's suffocating stranglehold tightens more and more--Julia, another equally seditious party member, crosses paths with Winston, and a dangerous clandestine affair begins. Now, there's no turning back, and, sooner or later, the illicit couple will have to pay for its hideous crimes against the dictatorial state. What makes a good citizen? - IMDB Description
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1984 (film)
Starring Edmond O'Brien, Michael Redgrave, Jan Sterling (1956)
In a futuristic, state-run society controlled by "Big Brother" in which love is outlawed, employee of the state Winston Smith falls for Julia, and is tortured and brainwashed for his crime. - Turner Classic Movies Description
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Feature image: screenshot from film adaptation of "1984" starring John Hurt.