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zuzubaloo's review against another edition
2.0
George Orwell takes readers through his experiences in his early 20s when he struggled with poverty in Paris and London.
I found the book to be boring and drawn out. The repetitive nature of the narrative and lack of significant events may have been intentional to convey the monotony of poverty, but I believe Orwell could have made it more engaging.
I found it puzzling that Orwell, despite having an aunt in Paris and family in England, chose to live in extreme poverty. His privileged background, having been educated at Eton, led me to question why he willingly subjected himself to such conditions. Many individuals genuinely endure extreme poverty, and Orwell did not necessarily have to put himself in that position. Nevertheless, his firsthand account sheds light on the prejudices toward poverty and homelessness, which unfortunately persist almost a century later.
I found his accounts of his time in Paris to be more tedious than his experiences in London. The book lacked a deeper exploration of the people Orwell encountered in Paris. I was more grateful that the overuse of French was limited when he started telling of his time in London.
Overall, the book did not resonate with me. The ending felt abrupt as if Orwell had run out of material to share.
I found the book to be boring and drawn out. The repetitive nature of the narrative and lack of significant events may have been intentional to convey the monotony of poverty, but I believe Orwell could have made it more engaging.
I found it puzzling that Orwell, despite having an aunt in Paris and family in England, chose to live in extreme poverty. His privileged background, having been educated at Eton, led me to question why he willingly subjected himself to such conditions. Many individuals genuinely endure extreme poverty, and Orwell did not necessarily have to put himself in that position. Nevertheless, his firsthand account sheds light on the prejudices toward poverty and homelessness, which unfortunately persist almost a century later.
I found his accounts of his time in Paris to be more tedious than his experiences in London. The book lacked a deeper exploration of the people Orwell encountered in Paris. I was more grateful that the overuse of French was limited when he started telling of his time in London.
Overall, the book did not resonate with me. The ending felt abrupt as if Orwell had run out of material to share.
romysh's review against another edition
4.0
It is quite remarkable how relevant some of those topics still are. The way Orwell describes hospitality industry is absolutely crazy how similar it still is even today.
I know the hardship of not having a job, fighting to find some work, having no money, trying to find the accommodation and worrying about what's gonna happen tomorrow. It is a brutal story, but a sad truth.
I know the hardship of not having a job, fighting to find some work, having no money, trying to find the accommodation and worrying about what's gonna happen tomorrow. It is a brutal story, but a sad truth.
anastasia_okodure's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Orwell is truly a master with words, capturing surroundings, people, and situations in a profound way, making it easy to become fully immersed in the narrative. This story is an important reminder not to take the comforts and luxuries of life for granted, for when they are taken away, what remains is a harsh reality that most of us scorn and look upon with disdain – yet it is one from which we are merely one bad decision or one misfortune away.
xiaoban's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I didn’t know what to expect but I really enjoyed this book. I thought Paris was a bit more interesting than London but both were fun to read. The way Orwell describes gradually coming to terms with being homeless and learning to enjoy the listlessness and monotony of life is honestly such good writing.
Overall, my favorite thing about this book is that Orwell does not write about people living in poverty with the typical societal lens of disgust. Orwell’s dry humor and people watching stories are a refreshing and engaging way to give human qualities to marginalized people who are often seen as less than human. I enjoy his truthful and hilarious depictions of the people he encounters, highlighting their circumstances, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Also unrelated but this is unintentionally one of the best books I have ever read about working in a fine dining restaurant. The way he describes the different characteristics that make up the different roles in a kitchen remind me of Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. Perhaps this is the OG Kitchen Confidential. This is a good read for interested in an anti-corporate life or wanting to branch into Orwell’s less intense work
Overall, my favorite thing about this book is that Orwell does not write about people living in poverty with the typical societal lens of disgust. Orwell’s dry humor and people watching stories are a refreshing and engaging way to give human qualities to marginalized people who are often seen as less than human. I enjoy his truthful and hilarious depictions of the people he encounters, highlighting their circumstances, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Also unrelated but this is unintentionally one of the best books I have ever read about working in a fine dining restaurant. The way he describes the different characteristics that make up the different roles in a kitchen remind me of Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. Perhaps this is the OG Kitchen Confidential. This is a good read for interested in an anti-corporate life or wanting to branch into Orwell’s less intense work
doitnowanna's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
A hard book to read, but very interesting. It takes time to get through as the topic is harsh.
capyval's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
I don't completely understand how or why did George Orwell had to see himself in such poverty, it doesn't seem his family (nor friends ) were in such a bad situation that they couldn't support him while he was looking for a job. My theory is that he wanted to experience poverty, as a way to learn about it, and then write about it.
The 4 stars from my part reflect how interesting I found the book, and nothing else.
The 4 stars from my part reflect how interesting I found the book, and nothing else.
zoer03's review against another edition
3.0
I think it’s well written and it’s an easy read but it’s a tad boring. I am not sure if it’s just me or whether it’s the copy I am reading but I found it immensely frustrating to have certain words which I am sure were rude not written or had a line I mean that’s a bit lazy. Come on I am no wilting violet. Also it’s not a subject I am interested in. Plus it didn’t feel like a memoir more like a novel so I just didn’t feel like I believed him. So not sure about mr Orwell.
sugandhwafai's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
George Orwell is always educational and I get to learn a lot from his writings every time I read it. This book will make you feel uncomfortable and force you to reflect on how and what you think about the society.
rickwren's review against another edition
4.0
George Orwell formed his political and social thought by his time spent in abject poverty amongst the poorest of the poor - the beggars, day workers and restaurant staffs of Paris and London. In this book it brings stark relief to this era of starvation and exploitation.