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A Clergyman's Daughter

By George Orwell

(20)

| Others | 9781849025935

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1 Review

Another delightful story by a very talented craftsman. Orwell writes about things that had, or were, making an impression on his mind. They are things that interest him. But in writing about them he weaves together a most interesting account of life around him. For instance, he obviously wants to sa ... (continue)

Another delightful story by a very talented craftsman. Orwell writes about things that had, or were, making an impression on his mind. They are things that interest him. But in writing about them he weaves together a most interesting account of life around him. For instance, he obviously wants to say something about people brought up in the Christian faith who accept it without thinking. So he introduces us to a character named Dorothy. She is so isolated from the world - knows nothing of what life is really like - sews, and visits, and produces plays - tries to give a word of encouragement to everyone - if she is thinking of 'wrong' things she pricks herself with a pin as an act of penance. Suddenly, however, she looses her memory and wanders from home. This is the beginning of an entirely different series of life experiences. She falls in with three young vagabonds - begs and steals food - spends several weeks 'hopping' in Kent - a night on a bench in Trafalgar Square - is arrested - spends time in jail - takes a post as a teacher in a private school - eventually goes back to her village. A changed person. Her faith has gone - her prayers are now just for show - she no longer pricks herself with the pin - and although outwardly she seems the same she no longer believes.
Orwell deals with pay and the condition of the hop pickers. His descriptions are riveting. They are so good that I could see the scenes before my very eyes. Then he deals with the condition of beggars - that is the poor in the Capital who have been reduced to begging. He moves on to the state of the private schools. He thunders at this with all his might. He hates the capitalist approach: people making money out of those they teach with no interest in the children at all.
A fantastic novel.

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GraJon said on Jul 19, 2008 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback