A review by flara
The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell

challenging dark informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

First half of this book was absolutely brilliant. It's basically an investigation into the living and working conditions of coal miners and their place in the society. Truly eye-opening and gruesome. I found Orwell's remarks on their social standing very relevant - it's easy to perceive working class people as less-than, and yet their work is absolutely essential. The modern society would probably collapse within an hour and revert to dark ages if it wasn't for their labour. Orwell's exploration of class and his place in it (him being of bourgeois origin on a working-class salary; what it means and where he actually belongs) was also thought-provoking. 

There are certain passages that are hard to swallow and very outdated, such as the comparison between 'the gypsies and decent English people' and his memories of his time in India as a policeman. And yet reading this book you will understand that majority of the views expressed are actually very progressive for its time (and maybe even today). 

And then there is second part, which I just did not care about, and I'll just leave it at that. 

5 starts for the first half, 2 stars for the political ramblings of a drunk uncle that you try to avoid at family gatherings. 3.5 stars overall.