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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
medium-paced
First half was excellent describing the coal miners, second half was a very interesting insight into the political climate of just before ww2, and Orwell being a massive advocate for socialism and against fascism. Apparently both were preferable to capitalism to him at that point. But his reasoning in it is a bit painful to read, it’s valuable as a document of the times rather than it’s quality of reasoning
challenging
informative
medium-paced
Why did I wait so long to read this book? The same Orwell who would publish 1984 just a few years after coming to grips with the realities of capitalism makes gripping reading. The final three chapters best explain Socialism, Fascism, and why the people who would most benefit from Socialism reject it out of hand.
Another good read from Orwell but the subject matter wasn't nearly as interesting as Animal Farm, 1984 and Down and out. The first half of the book was definitely more interesting than the second half which was just a rant about Socialism and Facism. Obviously 80 years ago this was a more relevant topic.
informative
slow-paced
Part one is a startlingly upfront and vivid description of how the Northern English working class lived in the 1930s; part two is a political-ideological tract where Orwell argues in favour of the need for socialism, while simultaneously lambasting the character and intellect of contemporary socialists.
Much of what Orwell discusses here has echoed down the ages. From his arguments for why truly socialist politics are viewed with suspicion by so many British voters (Orwell’s unfavourable description of the typical socialist immediately called to mind media ridicule of Jeremy Corbyn for having a wonky tie and a scruffy front garden); to his observations around why the poorest classes often eschew a nutritious diet in favour of sweet tea and fish and chips (sugar and fast food).
A little disjointed, and not exactly pleasant reading, but plenty to chew over.
Much of what Orwell discusses here has echoed down the ages. From his arguments for why truly socialist politics are viewed with suspicion by so many British voters (Orwell’s unfavourable description of the typical socialist immediately called to mind media ridicule of Jeremy Corbyn for having a wonky tie and a scruffy front garden); to his observations around why the poorest classes often eschew a nutritious diet in favour of sweet tea and fish and chips (sugar and fast food).
A little disjointed, and not exactly pleasant reading, but plenty to chew over.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced