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

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Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Orwell's Roses and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Orwell's Roses Summary and Study Guide

Background

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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Key Figures

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Themes

Orwell's Roses Themes

Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Orwell's Roses Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Orwell's Roses Essay Topics

Orwell's Roses Further Reading & Resources

Orwell's Roses

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Orwell's Roses?

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Book Details