A previous reviewer noted that this book was a mediocre rip off of 1984. I disagree. For me, 1984 doesn't read as a satire. This book does and Ben Elton is a master of satire. I agree that it is a view of the future that is more relevant to the Facebook generation and just as 1984 rings (alarm) bells, so does it. 5 stars is a book that marks me for life. 4 is a though provoking and entertaining read. It's both.