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A review by stacemiddleton
A Clergyman's Daughter by George Orwell
4.0
Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to lose your memory and sense of identity and start from scratch? A Clergyman's Daughter is a timeless tale about rebuilding and the survival instinct. We follow Dorothy who starts off a god fearing Clergyman's Daughter and who later becomes a hop picker, experiences extreme poverty and then becomes a school teacher - all before returning back to her original station but with a changed mind.
Above all, this story seems to me to be about rebuilding. What happens when you lose your faith and are almost fully on your own in the world? Dorothy is incredibly strongwilled and takes on all that life throws at her (and it throws a lot at her) and you can't help but pity her and all she endures.
In true Orwellian style this story brings important commentary on status, poverty, homelessness and the status of women in the 1930s. Sadly not much has changed in the way we treat the homeless and you can see similarities with the current policies (making it harder for them to sleep on benches for example).
In all her incarnations Dorothy is uncomfortable and suffers greatly no matter her status in society. Despite this you go on a journey with her, one of growth and self exploration. We get an insight into the human condition, how we never give up and plod on, celebrating the little victories, despite life's struggles. No matter the obstacles she faces her spirit is never defeated.
Her would-be saviour comes in the form of a greasy old man who attempts to seduce and marry her despite her disgust at it. He is, however, practical and intellectual and that's the best she can hope for in her situation. Nevertheless, she tries to fit back into the life she lived before despite everything being changed, knowing how it will end with a dismal picture already painted for her.
I think this book had a lot to say and was an important read. If you're not into classics I daresay this won't be for you. However, in true Orwell style it still feels beyond its time and I found it a very enjoyable read despite its depressing yet enduring themes
Above all, this story seems to me to be about rebuilding. What happens when you lose your faith and are almost fully on your own in the world? Dorothy is incredibly strongwilled and takes on all that life throws at her (and it throws a lot at her) and you can't help but pity her and all she endures.
In true Orwellian style this story brings important commentary on status, poverty, homelessness and the status of women in the 1930s. Sadly not much has changed in the way we treat the homeless and you can see similarities with the current policies (making it harder for them to sleep on benches for example).
In all her incarnations Dorothy is uncomfortable and suffers greatly no matter her status in society. Despite this you go on a journey with her, one of growth and self exploration. We get an insight into the human condition, how we never give up and plod on, celebrating the little victories, despite life's struggles. No matter the obstacles she faces her spirit is never defeated.
Her would-be saviour comes in the form of a greasy old man who attempts to seduce and marry her despite her disgust at it. He is, however, practical and intellectual and that's the best she can hope for in her situation. Nevertheless, she tries to fit back into the life she lived before despite everything being changed, knowing how it will end with a dismal picture already painted for her.
I think this book had a lot to say and was an important read. If you're not into classics I daresay this won't be for you. However, in true Orwell style it still feels beyond its time and I found it a very enjoyable read despite its depressing yet enduring themes