Set in the average lit nerd's idea of a truly dystopian world where books are burned and forbidden for being the source of all unhappiness and suffering, Rad Bradbury weaves a haunting, prophetic tale of a not-too-distant future for the human race in light of our contemporary society that is pervaded by media, drugs and violence. Far from condemning however, Fahrenheit 451 is both confronting and shocking as Bradbury explores the potential of technology in it's devastating impact in the world of Fahrenheit 451 where nuclear wars are common and violence so prevalent that people simply do not care anymore. Where education is deemed no longer necessary because technology is there to do it for people. Where the main ideal of life is to have fun and never be unhappy again. To not worry about what that might do to the world. Not worry about turning into indifferent monsters.
Where it is decided that whether it be books or things that make people think are destroyed and eradicated, people are changed into mindless clones of each other. Fahrenheit 451 tells the tale of one Fireman's desperate struggle against this conformity after meeting a girl who radically believed the world was not right.
I think, what I loved most about Fahrenheit 451 was not the story - because I admit, it was incredibly depressing - but that it made me think. Even though it was written over 50 years ago, the reflections and the issues it explores is still relevant today. Which kind of scares me a little since such a future is still quite possible to us. Coupled with Bradbury's powerful and poetic prose, Fahrenheit 451 is both shocking and dazzling, an important piece of literature that should be read and appreciated for years to come. Recommended to everyone, particularly those who enjoy a good sci-fi novel.
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