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moniwicz's review against another edition
4.0
With particular nods to the first chapter - whose beautiful descriptions of England I wanted to read over and over again - and the last - whose sharp, witty, and intelligent instruction should be listened to by all who write or read anything else at all.
other thoughts:
rwell is a true Socialist. He describes with assiduity the various characters of the English Social classes, particular attention focussed on the de-gentrified aristocracy who maintain their family’s line, power, and wealth through methods a mystery to themselves, and who run the Country through Buffoonery. These “Elite” are elected by the population as a whole year on year, much to the chagrin of those members of the Left-looking Middle Classes. Like today, the “Leftists” are the people who “live in a world of ideas and who have little contact with physical reality.” To them Communist ideals are attractive. In one breath they denounce the stupidity of the Lower classes for electing a Conservative Government, and claim a Communist Country would be better for the maligned and the poor (ie. the very people who make up the majority of the country and who vote with Nationalistic tendencies!)
The parallels between 1984, when this book was written, and today are so stark and obvious. Orwell would certainly be a welcome sane voice in todays Political sphere.
other thoughts:
rwell is a true Socialist. He describes with assiduity the various characters of the English Social classes, particular attention focussed on the de-gentrified aristocracy who maintain their family’s line, power, and wealth through methods a mystery to themselves, and who run the Country through Buffoonery. These “Elite” are elected by the population as a whole year on year, much to the chagrin of those members of the Left-looking Middle Classes. Like today, the “Leftists” are the people who “live in a world of ideas and who have little contact with physical reality.” To them Communist ideals are attractive. In one breath they denounce the stupidity of the Lower classes for electing a Conservative Government, and claim a Communist Country would be better for the maligned and the poor (ie. the very people who make up the majority of the country and who vote with Nationalistic tendencies!)
The parallels between 1984, when this book was written, and today are so stark and obvious. Orwell would certainly be a welcome sane voice in todays Political sphere.
adambwriter's review against another edition
4.0
Thoughts available July 24 https://roofbeamreader.com/2023/07/24/on-demons-and-corruption-why-i-write-by-george-orwell/
hisuin's review against another edition
The book "Why I write" consists of four essays by the great writer George Orwell:
Why I write is an essay describing the reasons that lead a person to become a writer, and a bit of his history and reasons to do so.
The Lion and the Unicorn: Oh, politics... I just could not finish it. Not only am I not familiar with politics, but also I barely know with detail English history, just the overall details. If you like either of those topics, then you will probably enjoy the essay.
A Hanging: This would be more of an autobiographic event than an essay. Shocking and cruel, it describes the hanging of a man and the reactions of those officials around him during the whole process.
Politics and the English language: He mixes two of his favorite topics. It is good enough, since there are some general tips for writing, not just oriented to politics. However, in the end it feels a bit long due to the abuse of lists of words.
I like his writing style very much, but there is too much politics for me to find it exciting. I would highlight Why I write and A Hanging as the most interesting essays, but then again, because of the lack of personal interest about the rest of the topics of the book.
Therefore, no marks for the book in this case, it would feel unfair or too subjective.
Why I write is an essay describing the reasons that lead a person to become a writer, and a bit of his history and reasons to do so.
The Lion and the Unicorn: Oh, politics... I just could not finish it. Not only am I not familiar with politics, but also I barely know with detail English history, just the overall details. If you like either of those topics, then you will probably enjoy the essay.
A Hanging: This would be more of an autobiographic event than an essay. Shocking and cruel, it describes the hanging of a man and the reactions of those officials around him during the whole process.
Politics and the English language: He mixes two of his favorite topics. It is good enough, since there are some general tips for writing, not just oriented to politics. However, in the end it feels a bit long due to the abuse of lists of words.
I like his writing style very much, but there is too much politics for me to find it exciting. I would highlight Why I write and A Hanging as the most interesting essays, but then again, because of the lack of personal interest about the rest of the topics of the book.
Therefore, no marks for the book in this case, it would feel unfair or too subjective.
somecatcherintherye's review against another edition
5.0
George Orwell is unapologetic in his expressions on all forms of politics that surround Europe - and in consequence, the world - during World War II. Unlike what he mentions as the sole rebellion of the 'Left Wing Intelligentsia' against the current developments, he is headstrong in his opinions and does not look for an escape through his characteristic literary writing. He does not simply rebel and criticise but provides a path that can be taken by England and its people in fighting Fascism as a whole.
Last chapter's genius is still relevant in today's world. George Orwell talks about political language in a way that I have never come across in any form of journalism - written or spoken. Ironically, the same is evident in the corporate culture, a culture growing exponentially to cover all fields of labour in today's world.
Last chapter's genius is still relevant in today's world. George Orwell talks about political language in a way that I have never come across in any form of journalism - written or spoken. Ironically, the same is evident in the corporate culture, a culture growing exponentially to cover all fields of labour in today's world.
xiindiie's review against another edition
5.0
Orwell is one of my favourite writers of all times. His writing is timeless, often a clever combination of acute observation and beautiful proses.
On why I write - Aesthetic enthusiasm will perhaps go down as one of my top phrases.
On the British nature - surprisingly it has survived the times even as the world shifts gears.
On Hanging - what else can you do other than to laugh at the absurdity of life?
On Language - I can’t deny I write poorly.
On why I write - Aesthetic enthusiasm will perhaps go down as one of my top phrases.
On the British nature - surprisingly it has survived the times even as the world shifts gears.
On Hanging - what else can you do other than to laugh at the absurdity of life?
On Language - I can’t deny I write poorly.
stephanimichelle's review against another edition
2.0
They say you should never meet your heroes. This is 115 pages of Orwell ranting about privilege, the hypocrisy of the English, the foulness of the working classes , and how much he hates the monarchy. His relatives were part of the aristocracy BTW. Just awful.