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meg_masters's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
shanniecakes's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting examination of poverty in early twentieth century Europe. Orwell seems to have gotten off easy however - he avoids reaching any definitive conclusions about the effects of destitution on humankind, and fails to provide enough material for the reader to do so himself.
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.