Yes, it's bloody depressing stuff!
Did it at school, read it since, seen film (made circa 1984)
Essentially about a hapless guy called Winston, one man against an all seeing all manipulating state (Totalitarian) as embodied by 'Big Brother' whose Stalinesque portrait overlooks and oversees all with the slogan: BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU
The idea of Room 101, the programme with Paul Merton comes from 1984 as well.
A summary the story can be found
HERE
THOUGHT PROVOKING STUFF!
I think a lot will depend on the production. It could be excellent!