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hailun_'s review against another edition
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? Yes
3.75
mankamon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
doctortdm's review against another edition
4.0
Rather tedious account of a single person battling, foolishly, the money system.
shobnob's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
3.5
annette_storybeats's review against another edition
3.0
Keep the Aspidistra Flying is a book I can admire while ultimately disliking it intensely.
I have to admire Orwell's prose, which so beautifully evokes the bleakness and poverty of the world as seen by Gordon Comstock. And the writer does such a good job of showing us Gordon's willful lack of self-awareness that I cannot help but loathe the character.
As the story unfolds we are forced to re-assess Gordon's insistence on preserving the purity of his artistic aspirations, and his rejection of the money god. His deliberate self-destruction finally reveals itself as immaturity and a refusal to accept adult responsibilities.
At the end of the novel, Gordon does seem to have come to some measure of self-knowledge; but, despite appearances, this does not feel like a happy ending. Which is rather the point.
Prepare to be impressed by the skill and depth of Orwell's writing, but infuriated by the character he has created.
(Really this should be a 4-star review - but I gave it 3 stars to spite Gordon).
I have to admire Orwell's prose, which so beautifully evokes the bleakness and poverty of the world as seen by Gordon Comstock. And the writer does such a good job of showing us Gordon's willful lack of self-awareness that I cannot help but loathe the character.
As the story unfolds we are forced to re-assess Gordon's insistence on preserving the purity of his artistic aspirations, and his rejection of the money god. His deliberate self-destruction finally reveals itself as immaturity and a refusal to accept adult responsibilities.
At the end of the novel, Gordon does seem to have come to some measure of self-knowledge; but, despite appearances, this does not feel like a happy ending. Which is rather the point.
Prepare to be impressed by the skill and depth of Orwell's writing, but infuriated by the character he has created.
(Really this should be a 4-star review - but I gave it 3 stars to spite Gordon).
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
2.0
For the most part I really enjoy George Orwell's writing and it's still quite good here. Although the characters and plot did nothing to keep me invested or enjoy it. The book just wasn't my cup of tea but I'm still hopeful that I'll enjoy most of his other works I got left to read
bamarshall's review against another edition
4.0
Though the main character is totally insufferable, the pacing is good and there's enough humor to make it a good read
zanosgood's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
radbear76's review against another edition
4.0
As always with Orwell this is a well written book. He does such a good job you want to wring the protagonist's neck because he's so irritating. Orwell also captures the frustration many have felt in capitalist society of everything being rooted in and defined by money.