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readguy25's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75
In terms of achieving what a book attempts to convey, Down and Out in Paris and London is second to none. This is a book where nothing happens, yet it kept me engaged the entire time.
I try to lead my life with an empathetic foot forward, yet this book broke down my preconceived notions on homelessness even further, and forced me to realize the true circumstances of people in this terrible situation. The 'story' that is shared in this book (if you can even call it a story) sheds light on the dreary nature of being at a persons lowest point, while providing commentary on the matter all the while. This, combined with George Orwell's smooth writing style, led to a book that was admittedly hard to put down, despite the content matter.
Down and Out in Paris and London isn't meant to be flashy, quite the opposite, in fact. Orwell drags the reader along a brutal and dull path, one in which most people refuse to even acknowledge the existence of. The idea of pulling yourself out of situations like this is shattered by the cruel reality of this life, which is spelled out for any reader to see in many different chapters. Chapter 22 stuck out to me, inside which Orwell described the idea of 'meaningless work', which is work that isn't necessary in the grand scheme, and is only there to suppress those working these jobs further into the hole. Many chapters breach a wide variety of subjects regarding homelessness, as well as providing simple changes that can be made, to serve as the first stepping stones to make this life bearable.
This is one of those books that you read not for the experience, but rather for the effect the statements within the novel have on your morals. Down and Out in Paris and London is not a fun read, but it certainly is an important one, if not just for the reason to expand your empathy. This books agreeable prose and short length squash all normal excuses that other seminal works are met with. With that, I recommend everyone read this book.
I try to lead my life with an empathetic foot forward, yet this book broke down my preconceived notions on homelessness even further, and forced me to realize the true circumstances of people in this terrible situation. The 'story' that is shared in this book (if you can even call it a story) sheds light on the dreary nature of being at a persons lowest point, while providing commentary on the matter all the while. This, combined with George Orwell's smooth writing style, led to a book that was admittedly hard to put down, despite the content matter.
Down and Out in Paris and London isn't meant to be flashy, quite the opposite, in fact. Orwell drags the reader along a brutal and dull path, one in which most people refuse to even acknowledge the existence of. The idea of pulling yourself out of situations like this is shattered by the cruel reality of this life, which is spelled out for any reader to see in many different chapters. Chapter 22 stuck out to me, inside which Orwell described the idea of 'meaningless work', which is work that isn't necessary in the grand scheme, and is only there to suppress those working these jobs further into the hole. Many chapters breach a wide variety of subjects regarding homelessness, as well as providing simple changes that can be made, to serve as the first stepping stones to make this life bearable.
This is one of those books that you read not for the experience, but rather for the effect the statements within the novel have on your morals. Down and Out in Paris and London is not a fun read, but it certainly is an important one, if not just for the reason to expand your empathy. This books agreeable prose and short length squash all normal excuses that other seminal works are met with. With that, I recommend everyone read this book.
beebeegurl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
4.5
Love this book! It's very seldom to find a piece of media that portrays poverty in such a way that it still dignified. Orwell presented the life as how a human life is - with all its black and white, gray and colours. The writing is also so so funny and sharp!
theuncultured's review against another edition
4.0
"Still I can point to one or two things I have definitely learned by being hard up. I shall never again think that all tramps are drunken scoundrels, nor expect a beggar to be grateful when I give him a penny, nor be surprised if men out of work lack energy, nor subscribe to the Salvation Army, nor pawn my clothes, nor refuse a handbill, nor enjoy a meal at a smart restaurant. That is a beginning."
One may think that poverty means having little or no money to eat and sleep, and although it is simply that, we learn in this book that the lifestyle it begets is much more complicated and excruciating than we can ever imagine. From sleeping with insects to working in dirty kitchens, moving to another country in hopes of a better life which instead leads to homeless shelters and picking up cigarette butts with other tramps. George Orwell writes so brilliantly and transparently about poverty, about being Down and Out in Paris and London that one can both admire and be repulsed by the very nature of it. Here, Orwell retells of a time when he was poor, so poor that he may go days without food - food he buys by working long, undignified, hours or pawning his entire wardrobe for almost nothing. A brilliant read by a brilliant author.
One may think that poverty means having little or no money to eat and sleep, and although it is simply that, we learn in this book that the lifestyle it begets is much more complicated and excruciating than we can ever imagine. From sleeping with insects to working in dirty kitchens, moving to another country in hopes of a better life which instead leads to homeless shelters and picking up cigarette butts with other tramps. George Orwell writes so brilliantly and transparently about poverty, about being Down and Out in Paris and London that one can both admire and be repulsed by the very nature of it. Here, Orwell retells of a time when he was poor, so poor that he may go days without food - food he buys by working long, undignified, hours or pawning his entire wardrobe for almost nothing. A brilliant read by a brilliant author.
eabhalefada's review against another edition
clearly a good book, something too mannish about it for me