Down and out in Paris and London

Hello dearest readers and thanks for joining us for a look at 'Down and out in Paris in London' by George Orwell.  Apologies for the lack of pun/funny title for today's post, I genuinely couldn't think of anything amusing, must be the weather!

Down and Out in Paris and London, autobiographical work by George Orwell, published in 1933. Orwell’s first published book, it contains essays in which actual events are recounted in a fictionalized form.  [Courtesy of Encyclopedia Britannica online]

Image CC from Wikipedia

The majority of the group thought it was a book that gave a good social history, especially as set after the great depression, it gave good insight into that time (in both cities) and was very descriptive.  Interestingly, it was noted that the area in Paris is now posh cafes.  A lot of humor seemed to make the reality more real.  

Is 'enjoy' the right word to describe the book?  It was an interesting insight, but was it an enjoyable read?

Some felt it was like homework and found it upsetting and hard to read.  In saying that, although based in the 20s/30s, still felt it was relevant today.  We felt uplifted by conclusions.  

Was the author actually quite arrogant as he chose to live that life and could stop at anytime.  Also seemed to be in the tone of the book.  Seemed implied he went to his aunt in Paris for respite on occasion too, but could a book like this be written in any other way?

Are we better people for having read the book and will it last?

Has society's attitude overall changed? 

Thanks to Jan we also have a word for the month - Hecatomb - comes from Greek mythology meaning the gigantic sacrifice...can't say we don't learn stuff here!

So lots of food for thought this month.  What did you think?  Do you agree with our comments?  Let me know in the comments below.  

Next month we'll be discussing 'The peculiar life of a lonely postman' by Denis Theriault and the terrible puns will return as I'll think of something funny to write, until then...:)