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Summary: A dire book by an english snob
Review: That Orwell believes in the nobility of poverty is evidence of his complete lack of understanding of the state. His class and eaton education blinds his sensibilities. His comments on being "down and out" are those of a man who can escape at any time he chooses. This book is pontification of the worst sort. A far better book by a far more interesting man is "As I walked out one mid summers morning" by Laurie Lee.
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Summary: it is altogether curious , your first contact with poverty
Review: to be poor is a curse really ask a hungry man & he will let you know ,its one book which gives a detailed account of how days go by when you are out of dough. Boris is a good natured guy he is happy & optimistic as long as his belly is full. this is a great book if you imagine the situation . A must read for all interested in literature. By human touch
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Summary: An over-looked gem.
Review: What an journey Mr. Orwell takes us on. I was with him the whole way. Orwell's great analytical skills take you through Paris and London during the depression. Little comments about the cleanliness of restaurants elicits pages of commentary and it is all gold. I'm glad I picked it up.
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Summary: A brilliant account of a poverty, and its effects.
Review: This little known book is an overlooked masterpiece. The nuances and truths about Orwell's experiences in poverty could only be written through eyes of experience, not theory. The book literally takes you into the back door of hotel kitchens and skidrow hotels at a time when sanitation was not as regulated. Tales of fourteen hour days being 'short shifts' make you realize how far we have come as a people. Important for anyone concerned, comtemplative or living below our excessive norm.
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Summary: Powerful and Insightful
Review: An incredibly (sometimes almost unbearably) vivid account of Orwell's life among the poorest people in Europe. It examines lowest-rung working class in Paris, and the conditions faced by the homeless in France and England in the early 1930's.Orwell's descriptive gifts are breathtaking, so that I often felt I was right at his side in the abysmal hotel kitchen where he slaved, or the squalid, unlit "shelter" where he was confined as a derelict. A great eye-opener about the hidden side of life in those days, and written without any sentimentality or condescension. Orwell sees through the cant and sanctimony of the middle class, the clergy, and supposed Socialist reformers. One thing that bothered me was some bigotry (for instance, against Jews), which came as a surprise, given Orwell's reputation for tolerance. There also was some of the British jingoism that was so distasteful in his essays about India. And I was disappointed that the plight of impoverished women was largely ignored. Such a focus would've made the men's lives look like a picnic. All in all, however, a moving and enlightening read, even sixty-five years down the line.
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Summary: Fascinating read
Review: 'Down and Out' provides a fascinating social commentary of the international underclass. 90% self-documentary, 10% personal philosophy, I think this book provides an effective balance of Orwell's experiences and his thoughts on society. A great book to own and discuss.
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Summary: I am the anti-christ
Review: I am George Orwell, my spirit has come back. I command you to build an ark, noah, and take your wife and 3 sons on it, along w/ their wives (wink, wink) but you must leave your daughter. Seriously, This is a spiffily groovy book, and it is very cool, and has the same ending as all his books, so enjoy!
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Summary: What You -Really- Need of Life to -Really- Live It Well.
Review: I just returned from a 4 star hotel visit to London and Paris and found this book to really open my eyes to what life outside of luxury is like. It really makes you think about what you really need to survive and live happily. Orwell demonstrates that life is richly satisfying with or without money and that, as his character Paddy shows, every man can be down and out and still be an intellectual seeker. Also enjoyable are the many debates Orwell poses about the futility of most working class jobs and the questionable political principles surrounding the operation of "poor-houses" in major cities. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants the chance to think about what one really needs in life in order to truly LIVE. Marvelous.
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Summary: A Book Worth Buying
Review: In many ways, this is a worthwhile book. It is refreshing to read about the personal narratives of one of the greatest authors of the 1900s. Down and Out In Paris and London is different than many of the books I've read. Orwell is able to make the reader slightly understand the ordeals of poverty and the underclass. The great thing about the book is he does this in his own witty style. This book is recommended to anyone who enjoys good storytelling. In addition, the reader learns interesting information about the inner-workings of two fascinating cities.
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Summary: An eloquent description of the stuggles andtrials of poverty
Review: Orwell has got under the skin of the slums in this novel,making even the most aristocratic snob feel some of the pain and starvation associated with poverty and homelessness.A novel to touch the heart,one really feels sympathy for the down and outs we would usually just stride past on the street.Orwell has proved himself a master with this book as much as with 1984 and Animal Farm.
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