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Liked It “One Eric Blair decides to leave his middle class life behind - and find out how the "other" people live - either as a poverty-stricken writer in Paris - or as a working man in the North of England. That previous parapgraph reads like a plot for a novel - but remarkably, he actually did these...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Vastly overrated. His first published work (I think) with some disturbing descriptions of abject poverty but poorly written.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“One Eric Blair decides to leave his middle class life behind - and find out how the "other" people live - either as a poverty-stricken writer in Paris - or as a working man in the North of England. That previous parapgraph reads like a plot for a novel - but remarkably, he actually did these things. In fact, his later ill-health is often attributed to his experiences in a coal mine during this period. This book was also influential in helping to shape post-war social policy, as it highlighted the plight of many Northern factory and coal workers during the 30s - and the living conditions they had to endure...if you haven't read it, your definately missing out!”
Nick S wrote this review 10 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Orwell is always worth reading for his dark sense of humor, and its in abundance here. What could have been an utterly depressing account in the hands of another writer becomes a bemused, witty examination of what it is like for many living in poverty in Europe in the 1920s, and how those people, with all their various eccentricities, manage to cope day to day.
Thomas Johnson wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
It is these people, coupled with Orwell's own opinions of them, which gives the novel most of its flavor -- many are incredibly profane, and all eager to share their views on topics ranging from Christianity to Communism. The Paris-centric section of the novel surpasses the London-centric portion in providing the reader with such colorful commentary via the personage of Boris, who adds a sense of vibrancy to the story which falters once Orwell departs Paris.
But Orwell's purpose in writing the book seemed to be mainly to express his own beliefs on the necessary social action to lessen or eliminate poverty. These sections of commentary are done a disservice is listening to the audiobook, as I did, because they are complex enough to warrant rereading. Orwell's charge that the poor remain poor because the wealthy class is terrified that their enfranchisement will lead to a revolt are understandable given that he was writing in a culture and time in which class distinctions were often ironclad. However, it seems less applicable today for someone in the modern day United States wishing to understand the root causes of poverty in this country, where the divisions between poor, middle and upper classes are still present but more malleable.
At the very least, Down and Out in Paris and London should serve as a starting point for any discussion about poverty. It has its faults -- the antisemitism of many of the characters is particularly frustrating, if historically accurate -- but it is a worthwhile read for anyone looking to understand the effects of poverty on a personal level.”
“Brilliant. Moving. Very funny. Classic Orwell.”
Simon Hart wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Wow - so, so interesting and as honest a book as I've ever read. A real view into the lives of homeless and hard to do people from a master storyteller. As good as I've read in a while. I can't believe I've waited until now to read it, since I have enjoyed other Orwell books.”
Travis C wrote this review Wednesday, November 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Vastly overrated. His first published work (I think) with some disturbing descriptions of abject poverty but poorly written.”
David Day wrote this review Tuesday, September 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Further proof in my mind that Orwell could kick Kerouac's ass any day of the week.”
Melanie T wrote this review Monday, September 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A book I remember for its unwholesome descriptions of restaurants in Paris. When I visited Paris I was loathe to dine there.
Selina C wrote this review Sunday, August 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
As for London it's quite true a beggar can eat like a king there, if he haunts the trash cans outside bakeries and foodhalls, such is the prodigious waste in unsold food. I once saw on TV program in which the presenters ransacked garbage cans for uneaten food, it reminded me of this book, which makes you aware of the gap between rich and poor.”
“If you're homeless and have to stay at a shelter, carry black pepper (loose) in your pockets. Bedbugs will avoid it and attack the person in the next bed from yours.”
Frank H wrote this review Friday, July 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
