5 Best George Orwell Books Recommended by D J Taylor
George Orwell is a name synonymous with classic literature and thought-provoking social commentary.
His works have withstood the test of time, and they continue to captivate readers with their incisive critiques of society, politics, and the human condition.
D.J. Taylor, an esteemed literary critic and author, has provided us with a valuable list of five must-read George Orwell books.
Let’s explore Taylor’s recommendations and delve into the reasons these books remain relevant today.
1. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
George Orwell’s debut book, “Down and Out in Paris and London,” is a semi-autobiographical account of his experiences as a struggling writer and the hardships he encountered while living in poverty.
The book explores the gritty underbelly of two great cities, highlighting the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots.
It’s a powerful exploration of social inequality, resilience, and the human spirit.
My favorite quotes from Down and Out in Paris and London
“It is a feeling of relief, almost of pleasure, at knowing yourself at last genuinely down and out. You have talked so often of going to the dogs — and well, here are the dogs, and you have reached them, and you can stand it. It takes off a lot of anxiety.”
“It is curious how people take it for granted that they have a right to preach at you and pray over you as soon as your income falls below a certain level.”
“The stars are a free show; it don’t cost anything to use your eyes”
2. A Clergyman’s Daughter by George Orwell
“A Clergyman’s Daughter” is a lesser-known Orwell novel that deserves more attention.
This novel follows the life of Dorothy Hare, a clergyman’s daughter who loses her memory and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Through Dorothy’s experiences, Orwell delves into themes of identity, society’s expectations, and the struggle to break free from conformity.
My favorite quotes from A Clergyman’s Daughter
“It is a mysterious thing, the loss of faith — as mysterious as faith itself.”
“And in every detail of your life, if no ultimate purpose redeemed it, there was a quality of greyness, of desolation, that could never be described, but which you could feel like a physical pang at your heart. Life, if the grave really ends it, is monstrous and dreadful. No use trying to argue it away. Think of life as it really is, think of the details of life; and then think that there is no meaning in it, no purpose, no goal except the grave. Surely only fools or self-deceivers, or those whose lives are exceptionally fortunate, can face that thought without flinching?”
3. Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell
This book tells the story of Gordon Comstock, a struggling poet who rebels against the “money god” and the conventional expectations of his time.
As he chooses a life of poverty over financial success, Orwell explores the conflict between artistic ambition and economic stability.
“Keep the Aspidistra Flying” is a poignant reflection on the sacrifices one makes to pursue their passions.
My favorite quotes from Keep the Aspidistra
“The mistake you make, don’t you see,is in thinking one can live in a corrupt society without being corrupt oneself. After all, what do you achieve by refusing to make money? You’re trying to behave as though one could stand right outside our economic system. But one can’t. One’s got to change the system, or one changes nothing. One can’t put things right in a hole-and-corner way, if you take my meaning.”
“This life we live nowadays. It’s not life, it’s stagnation death-in-life. Look at all these bloody houses and the meaningless people inside them. Sometimes I think we’re all corpses. Just rotting upright.”
4. The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell
In “The Road to Wigan Pier,” George Orwell takes us on a journey to the industrial heartlands of northern England during the 1930s.
This work combines documentary reportage and personal reflections to expose the grim living conditions and hardships faced by the working class.
Orwell’s firsthand observations and empathetic approach make this a powerful exploration of social injustice and inequality.
My favorite quote from The Road to Wigan
“A human being is primarily a bag for putting food into; the other functions and faculties may be more godlike, but in point of time they come afterwards. A man dies and is buried, and all his words and actions are forgotten, but the food he has eaten lives after him in the sound or rotten bones of his children. I think it could be plausibly argued that changes of diet are more important than changes of dynasty or even of religion….Yet it is curious how seldom the all-importance of food is recognized. You see statues everywhere to politicians, poets, bishops, but none to cooks or bacon-curers or market gardeners.”
5. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
No list of George Orwell’s best works would be complete without mentioning “Nineteen Eighty-Four.”
This dystopian masterpiece envisions a bleak future where a totalitarian regime controls every aspect of life, and the concept of truth itself is questioned. It serves as a chilling warning about the dangers of totalitarianism, censorship, and the erosion of individual freedoms.
“Nineteen Eighty-Four” continues to be a thought-provoking and cautionary tale.
My favorite quotes from Nineteen Eighty-Four
“Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.”
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
“If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.”
D.J. Taylor’s selection of George Orwell’s books showcases the author’s versatility, his ability to tackle a wide range of themes, and his enduring relevance in our modern world. Whether you’re interested in social commentary, personal reflection, or dystopian fiction, Orwell’s works offer something for every reader.
(Note: The links mentioned in this article are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase these books through these links, it will help me earn a small amount of money — at no extra cost to you. Thanks!)
