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papelgren's review
4.0
Solnit's book is a stunner. Relevant, thoughtful, and surprising. She uses one small fact about Orwell to dive down many engaging rabbit holes about imperialism, capitalism, and fascism. The bits of reportage about rose production and Orwell's personal history are a gift, but the real strength is her ability to meditate on language and the state of the world using gorgeous language all her own.
jesscat's review
medium-paced
3.0
Oddly patronising & lacking the passion she claims Orwell inspires in her.
Several minor inaccuracies grated on my nerves along with a tendency for grandiose sweeping over generalisations (see the chapter on geological eras).
Nonetheless some chapters were enjoyable. The rose trade in Colombia for example, although again I could have done without the cringey white liberal guilt.
Probably will lower my rating given time but I'm feeling generous because of the final chapter on the river Orwell which I grew up next to.
Several minor inaccuracies grated on my nerves along with a tendency for grandiose sweeping over generalisations (see the chapter on geological eras).
Nonetheless some chapters were enjoyable. The rose trade in Colombia for example, although again I could have done without the cringey white liberal guilt.
Probably will lower my rating given time but I'm feeling generous because of the final chapter on the river Orwell which I grew up next to.
philippakmoore's review
5.0
A marvellous and moving meditation on nature, politics, art, power and truth, seen through the lens of the life and work of one of the best political writers who ever lived. Orwell's work is prescient and timeless, and frankly has never been more relevant than it is now, and this excellent book proves it. I adored it!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.
bluevelvet23's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
lupercal27's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
shellydennison's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Essentially a series of essays using the fact that Orwell planted some roses in 1936 as a jumping off point. Some fascinating digressions but not one for those looking for a straightforward biography.
taylorgriffreads's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Undoubtably the best historic and literary analysis I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Grateful for George Orwell and all of the whistleblowers and truth seekers that came after him. May we all continue to shed light on the horrors and indicators of totalitarianism and ferociously preserve the individual pleasures of life. <3