A review by xiaoban
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

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