Mirror Reflections

By pure chance, I just read 2 books that are complete polar opposites, back to back. George Orwell's "1984" and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "Herland"...both second hand finds at a charity shop. I had seen the film "1984" years ago and so was familiar with the story, but knew nothing of "Herland" apart from the synopises on the back of the book.


While I thoughly enjoyed the film adaptation of "1984" there is something to be said for the unlimited ability of the human minds imagination that a book like this is apt to. Conjuring up not only a visual field of dispair and no hope, but the aromas and sensation of grit and grim engraved into the soul if ever being. "Herland" as the name might elude, is set in a very different world. One of peace and harmony, of living in an open and free land, with no conflict or desire for want and greed. It is ironic that in "1984" people are governed by Big Brother with his all seeing Telescreens and undercover agents, where suspects disappear without ever existing. Where in "Herland" although there is a hierarchical order, it is more relaxed. Those at the top are there because of their selfless giving to the community as a whole and are available for advice and help whenever needed. They are not feared or hidden behind iconic pictures that stand as tall as buildings. They are there to serve the people, not vice versa.



Regardless of my personal bias as to the more ideal world, both books are more than worth the time and energy and are possibly even more enjoyable for reading back to back.