1984

Definitely ahead of its time, as has been stated many times before. I would definitely recommend reading the Appendices, wherein the concept of “Newspeak” and a rough dictionary of the propagandistic language is explained. It's darkly humorous in places, and deeply disturbing throughout. Winston is not a very deep character, however I get the impression that this is not through poor writing or by accident; Big Brother and The Company are very intentional in their machinations, and part of that is their deliberate suppression of independent thought and individuality of mind in members of the company. I would think that this would naturally lead to rather a shallow citizenry. What is left of Winston's personality is not likeable, but that somehow makes him more real. And the ending is both harrowing and, in a strange way, beautiful.