Fahrenheit 451 has been on ‘to read’ list for such a long time so recently when I went book shopping I decided to finally give it a try. I’m a huge fan of dystopian novels, and the plot of this novel drew me in immediately. I’m such a huge reader (as you can probably see by the name of my blog haha) – to think of a world or society where reading is outlawed and burning books is the norm proved intriguing to me.
Reading and books in general is such an integral part of my life and it makes me sad to think of the decline of physical reading and libraries. There are few things in life that make me as happy as curling up with a good book!
Plot Overview:
Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? The Mechanical Hound of the Fire Department, armed with a lethal hypodermic, escorted by helicopters, is ready to track down those dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books.
The classic dystopian novel of a post-literate future, Fahrenheit 451 stands alongside Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World as a prophetic account of Western civilization’s enslavement by the media, drugs and conformity.
Bradbury’s powerful and poetic prose combines with uncanny insight into the potential of technology to create a novel which, decades on from first publication, still has the power to dazzle and shock.
My thoughts:
- The title of the novel itself – the story behind this also really drew me in – in case you didn’t know 451 is the temperature books burn at. This is a little fact that made me appreciate the title even more, and I thought it was quite clever.
- I enjoyed the way the book explored ideas that technology aids in creating a distance between people and breeds an intense loneliness. I believe Bradbury was definitely ahead of his time, as the book was published in 1953 – and we can definitely see the negative influence of technology upon relationships and society in general. While I believe there are more positives with the advancement of technology , it’s clear to see that it has created a certain level of disconnect.
- The writing was full of metaphor and there were some points where there was such a juxtaposition between the poetic language and the bleak nature of the setting that I was really taken in by it all.
- The entire novel shows how powerful the written word is and the power of knowledge – without which there is little beauty and a zest for life. I can appreciate it and it definitely renews my belief in the importance and value of fiction.
My favourite quotes:
“The books went up in sparkling whirls and blew away on a wind turned dark with burning.”
“The moonlight distilled in each eye to form a silver cataract.”
“You could feel the war getting ready in the sky that night. The way the clouds moved aside and came back, and the way the stars looked, a million of them swimming between the clouds… and the feeling that the sky might fall upon the city and turn it to chalk dust, and the moon go up in red fire.”
“Light the first page, light the second page. Each becomes a black butterfly.”
Have you read Fahrenheit 451? If so, what did you think? If not, would you like to?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Rumaanah x
Rums the Reader 
Oooh I’ve not heard of this book before but it sounds right up my street!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It’s so good! There’s also a recent movie adaptation which looks pretty decent xx
This one is next on my reading list! Great review!
Thank you!! I hope you enjoy it when you read it ☺️
Ooh I like the sound of this book! The temperature a book burns sounds really poignant. Will pop it on my to read list 🙂 x
Definitely give it a go! Hope you enjoy + I agree, it’s definitely a poignant little detail x
Such a great review! Will be adding it on to my reading list.
Kirsty | https://lifewithkirsty.com/ xx
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it when you get round to reading it xx
I feel the same about the title, it totally draws you in and intrigues you doesn’t it?! I definitely will keep this book in mind, it sounds wonderful!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
It’s a really good read, enjoy! X
This book sounds so good! You’ve written such a fabulous review I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it!
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
thank you! Hope you enjoy if you do get round to reading it one day (: x
Thanks I’m sure I will!x
I actually had to analyse a passage from this book for my A Level literature exam and its been on my to read list ever since! Loved the post, especially the inclusion of your favourite quotes x
Megan x
meganatkinsonslife.org
Aw I wish I would have been able to study this book in school! You should definitely read the whole thing one day when you can xx
Lovely review! I have never heard of this book but I am trying to get into more reading so definitely will look for this and give it a read!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the review + I hope you find some books you really enjoy and makes getting into reading easier x
I think I have heard of the book but I have never read it. You sound so enthusiastic about it! I must add it to my reading list!
I’ve never heard of this book before but it sounds really interesting. Particularly the message of technology causing disconnect between people – you’re right in that it was ahead of its time in that respect. I realise the irony of stating this whilst using modern technology 😂😂 Great review!
http://www.missblogsabit.com
It’s a great book, and certainly explores a lot of interesting ideas. haha it’s super ironic that we’re using modern technology to comment on this, I didn’t even think about that! 😂 Thank you xx
I haven’t read this book – tbh, classics aren’t really my thing and I tend to steer clear of them (although I know I shouldn’t!) but this sounds really good. I particularly LOVE that quote about the war. I’m a sucker for a good quote. Great review, you might have sold me on this one!
I’ve heard of this book before but didn’t know much about it. It sounds like something I would really enjoy. I like stuff like 1984 so I think I’ll look out for this x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
You should it’s a great read
Sounds really interesting! I love dystopian novels also, so will give this one a go!
It’s such a good read, definitely give it a try! x
Just read this book. I had chills every page, I’m glad to hear it was striking to you as well!
It’s brilliant right? Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much!
Love your descriptions and quotes of phrases. Your review leads to new interest and it flames the anticipation to explore the read like you did.
I love the way you’ve reviewed this, the bullet points are great!
This is one of my favorite books of all time!
Wow! I know of the book but had no idea of the plot. This is such a great review and has inspired me to add it to my list x Thank you
Great review! I read this book recently, but I didn’t like it that much. Sometimes I have issues “getting” those types of books with deep meanings that you have to decipher, but maybe I will reread it in a year or two.
So enjoyed your review of our favorite book.
Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed it