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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I found this book to be an engaging trip through history that transitioned effectively from reflection on the past to contemplation of the present into anticipation of the future. The author did an effective job of comparing and contrasting Churchill and Orwell. He presented their strengths and analyzed their weaknesses in ways that aren’t typically encountered, particularly in common discussions of Churchill. All in, I’m perfectly comfortable sharing the predominate view that the book is a worthwhile read.
Thomas E. Ricks does a side-by-side comparison of Winston Churchill and George Orwell. I had hoped it would be more of an integrated analysis, but it was more like two shorter biographies in one. In fact, these two people never actually met each other, and it was kind of a strange choice of people to compare. Why not Churchill and FDR? Or Orwell and Dickens (both of whom wrote to achieve social change)? Or some other combination? Ricks never explains why comparing these two men should make for a compelling exploration. As such, though he alternated from one to the other, there wasn't much in the way of in-depth exposition of the interactions or integration of the two in any substantive way. Perhaps this was because they (in fact) didn't interact, and were only similar to each other in relatively superficial ways (for example, both were writers). I was left wondering what reason he saw that I didn't for juxtaposing these two men in one book.
Nonetheless, I did enjoy getting to know both of them a little better. I've read previously about Churchill's life, but had never thought much about Orwell other than to read two of his books and realize that he (life some other writers) was working through his writing to try to change world circumstances. To that extent, and because there were new (to me) aspects and perspectives on their lives, I enjoyed the book. Others who have read more deeply into the lives of either man might find it less interesting.
Nonetheless, I did enjoy getting to know both of them a little better. I've read previously about Churchill's life, but had never thought much about Orwell other than to read two of his books and realize that he (life some other writers) was working through his writing to try to change world circumstances. To that extent, and because there were new (to me) aspects and perspectives on their lives, I enjoyed the book. Others who have read more deeply into the lives of either man might find it less interesting.
An engaging discussion of their lives, especially during the war years, and impact.
4.5/5
This is a enjoyable and very readable biography of two fascinating and influential men.
I thought the idea of a dual biography was interesting and it was successful, for the most part, in intertwining the lives of Orwell and Churchill. However, it did feel forced at times, but I guess that can hardly be helped when you are trying to tie together two independent lives into one narrative.
This is a enjoyable and very readable biography of two fascinating and influential men.
I thought the idea of a dual biography was interesting and it was successful, for the most part, in intertwining the lives of Orwell and Churchill. However, it did feel forced at times, but I guess that can hardly be helped when you are trying to tie together two independent lives into one narrative.
Started this book being more interested in Churchill. I bought two books by Orwell while reading this one and wrote down a bunch by other authors. Great book considering the two never met.
informative
medium-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Це хороша біографія Черчилля. Так, саме його, бо для Орвелла автор виділив всього десь третину книги, і то це було більше для змальовування Черчилля через цитати Орвелла.
Взагалі мені здалось, що ну дуууууже притягнули за вуха ці дві постаті в один текст. Повʼязувало їх насправді мало що, тому ідею цю так і не зрозуміла.
Взагалі мені здалось, що ну дуууууже притягнули за вуха ці дві постаті в один текст. Повʼязувало їх насправді мало що, тому ідею цю так і не зрозуміла.
This book is a comparative history of conservative Churchill and socialist Orwell, identifying areas of agreement, and likely disagreement, between to the two British icons. Orwell wrote down some of his thoughts about Churchill, which I found interesting, but on the whole I found an imbalance between the Churchill story and Orwell’s, with Churchill’s approach to ‘the fight for freedom’ getting more credit. My favorite part, however, was the last section, a well-developed assessment of the ongoing influence of both men, their writing in particular on modern society. I especially appreciated the detailed discussion of the persistent relevance of Animal Farm and 1984, two books that have certainly been influential on me.
informative
medium-paced