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not really unknown.

The question was "What are some great books that are relatively unknown in the United States?"

Although certain 1984 memes (like "Big Brother") are well-known, the book itself is not. Most Americans, if they've read any Orwell, have only read Animal Farm; and other concepts from 1984 (the memory hole, two minutes hate) are completely unheard of... again, because the book is not actually well-known.

1984 is required reading in many highschools. It's well known.

Though arguably not well understood.

Unfortunately, you could argue that it's well known because it's so easy to believe that it's being used as an instruction manual.

I think it's probably best to avoid snarky political commentary. The question under discussion is merely whether the book is well-known.

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