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.

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.

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.

Rebecca Solnit

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

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Orwell's Roses Summary and Study Guide

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Orwell's Roses Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Prophet and the Hedgehog”

Part 1 Orwell's Roses Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Going Underground”

Part 2 Orwell's Roses Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Bread and Roses”

Part 3 Orwell's Roses Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Stalin’s Lemons”

Part 4 Orwell's Roses Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Retreats and Attacks”

Part 5 Orwell's Roses Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “The Price of Roses”

Part 6 Orwell's Roses Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “The River Orwell”

Part 7 Orwell's Roses Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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