65 pages • 2 hours read
Orwell's Roses
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Book Brief
320
Biography • Nonfiction
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit intertwines biography, memoir, and essay to delve into George Orwell's life and legacy, sparked by the author's discovery of Orwell planting roses in 1936. Through exploring Orwell's dedication to nature, beauty, truth, social justice, and political transparency, Solnit examines her own writing journey and the impact Orwell had on her commitment to truth and expressive clarity. The book discusses issues of poverty, labor exploitation, environmental degradation, and political atrocities.
Contemplative
Informative
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
4,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Rebecca Solnit's Orwell's Roses intertwines literary criticism with personal reflection, offering a fresh perspective on George Orwell through the lens of his passion for gardening. Reviewers praise its insightful connections and lyrical prose but note a sometimes meandering narrative. Overall, it is both thought-provoking and richly detailed, appealing to readers of literary non-fiction. Solnit, Rebecca. Orwell's Roses. Viking, 2021.
Who Should Read Orwell's Roses?
Readers who enjoy Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit are likely those who appreciate literary analysis intertwined with historical and cultural commentary. Similar audiences might enjoy The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and The Library Book by Susan Orlean for their blend of personal narrative and broader societal insights.
4,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
George Orwell
George Orwell
A renowned 20th-century writer committed to truth-telling and social justice, known for his works Animal Farm and 1984, and remembered for his enjoyment of nature and aesthetic beauty alongside his critiques of authoritarianism.
320
Biography • Nonfiction
2021
Adult
18+ years
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