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Coming Up for Air

By George Orwell

(33)

| eBook | 9780141906027

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Book Description

Years in insurance and marriage to the joyless Hilda have been no more than death in life to George Bowling. This and fear of another war take his mind back to the peace of his childhood in a small country town. But his return journey to Lower Binfield brings complete disillusionment.

Critics

'Coming Up for Air' by George Orwell

The story, which is commonly thought to be thinly veiled autobiography, is narrated by George Bowling, a 45-year-old married man with two children who's bored with his life as an insurance salesman. He lives in the "inner-outer suburbs" in one of tho ... (read full critics)

readingmatters published on Tue, 28 Sep 2010

2 Reviews

Coming Up For Air: George Orwell
Victor Gollancz, 1939; this edition: Penguin, 1973
One of my favourite novels, and for me, Orwell’s best.
George Bowling tries to escape from modern England, and the upcoming Second World War.
He can’t.

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Philip Downer said on Jun 20, 2011 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback

This book is described as 'nostalgia' and it really is - and brilliantly done. George Bowling, an insurance salesman, takes a look into his childhood. His descriptions of the customs, the characters, the buildings, the way of life is very moving. This is what life was like before World War Two. The ... (continue)

This book is described as 'nostalgia' and it really is - and brilliantly done. George Bowling, an insurance salesman, takes a look into his childhood. His descriptions of the customs, the characters, the buildings, the way of life is very moving. This is what life was like before World War Two. The war was to change everything. It's worth a look back through the eyes of George Bowling!

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