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peter_fischer's review against another edition
5.0
This masterpiece describes the struggles of the disempowered working classes in the UK early in the 20th century, about the time the Labour Party was founded and long before social housing, unemployment benefits, and the NHS. Written in a highly entertaining and humorous style by someone who clearly knew life as a prole, the message is serious and rabidly political. With the current drift to the political right all over the Western world, this book is sadly becoming relevant again beyond a historical record. As George Orwell apparently said: ‘a book that everyone should read.’
heidirgreen's review against another edition
Way too long, with a tight edit it could probably be a 300 page book with more impact.
ipb1's review against another edition
5.0
A century-old novel that is so horribly, depressingly contemporary that it is too painful to lay the parallels out. I'd wholeheartedly recommend reading it, but if you don't have the time just look at today's news which essentially shares the same plot.
bookbuzzard's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Classism, Suicide, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Pregnancy, Misogyny, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Excrement, Death of parent, Child death, Religious bigotry, Infidelity, Grief, Confinement, Body shaming, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Addiction, Ableism, Sexual assault, Violence, Xenophobia, Death, and Cursing
Minor: Medical content
ruthmaloney's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant but tragic especially in light of the current economic situation
mattieallen's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
libbymon's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
thomasgoddard's review against another edition
5.0
I cried. I'll tell you why later.
We have travelled barely any distance from the horrors skillfully written by Tressell (Noonan). We're there now still, some of us. A little less likely to starve, but only due to the efforts of people inspired by this book back in the day. Efforts that are daily threatened by greedy capitalists. We're going backwards so quickly.
My own politics has run from mere emulation of forebears through, socialist, libertine... all the way to where I am now... Apathetic.
But Tressell sums up the reason neatly... Because I've spoken loudly to all who'll listen about the evils of capitalism and it has never gotten through to anyone. They'll sneer and say it'll never change. And then go on complaining about their lot. And they'll condemn their children to the same drudgery. And the change they need is as easy as downing tools.
Or else they agree, but are happy enough to stomp on their staff as soon as they get a leg up.
Most people are just followers, I guess. Survival will make killers of us all. I guess.
Tressell writes really beautifully about the grimness of the working man's lot. He digs down into the cause of the misery and presents it clearly and concisely. He presents solutions. Some of those ideas caught on. Most of the message has been polluted.
And the thing that made me weep?
The thought of how many great works of art are simply lost to humanity because we failed to tend to the needs of people in society. How many naturally gifted writers are condemned to obscurity because they were locked into working for a living? How many musicians spend their whole lives gigging for gas money? How many jaw dropping paintings are never painted because we can't afford the materials?
That broke my heart.
We have travelled barely any distance from the horrors skillfully written by Tressell (Noonan). We're there now still, some of us. A little less likely to starve, but only due to the efforts of people inspired by this book back in the day. Efforts that are daily threatened by greedy capitalists. We're going backwards so quickly.
My own politics has run from mere emulation of forebears through, socialist, libertine... all the way to where I am now... Apathetic.
But Tressell sums up the reason neatly... Because I've spoken loudly to all who'll listen about the evils of capitalism and it has never gotten through to anyone. They'll sneer and say it'll never change. And then go on complaining about their lot. And they'll condemn their children to the same drudgery. And the change they need is as easy as downing tools.
Or else they agree, but are happy enough to stomp on their staff as soon as they get a leg up.
Most people are just followers, I guess. Survival will make killers of us all. I guess.
Tressell writes really beautifully about the grimness of the working man's lot. He digs down into the cause of the misery and presents it clearly and concisely. He presents solutions. Some of those ideas caught on. Most of the message has been polluted.
And the thing that made me weep?
The thought of how many great works of art are simply lost to humanity because we failed to tend to the needs of people in society. How many naturally gifted writers are condemned to obscurity because they were locked into working for a living? How many musicians spend their whole lives gigging for gas money? How many jaw dropping paintings are never painted because we can't afford the materials?
That broke my heart.
steph_keane's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25