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The Road to Wigan Pier cover art

The Road to Wigan Pier

By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Jeremy Northam
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Publisher's Summary

A graphic and biting polemic that still holds a fierce political relevance and impact despite being written over half a century ago. First published in 1937 it charts George Orwell's observations of working-class life during the 1930s in the industrial heartlands of Yorkshire and Lancashire. His depictions of social injustice and rising unemployment, the dangerous working conditions in the mines amid general squalor and hunger also bring together many of the ideas explored in his later works and novels.

©2012 Canongate Books (P)2012 George Orwell

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A brilliantly read version

This book may not be for everybody; I grew up in Wigan so the book is filled with things that I have seen and remember. Orwell also rattles off a lot of statistics and facts in the book for long sections, but these things aside it's still a masterpiece. Jeremy Northam's reading is absolutely first rate; in fact, I can even imagine that I am listening to Orwell himself speaking. When I first read the book some years ago I found it very hard going, but Jeremy Northam brings it to life.

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Required Reading

I was required to read Animal Farm and 1984 at high school, I really wish that this book had also been required. Subject matter still 100% relevant today. I wish I had read sooner. Thank you to Jordan Peterson for the recommendation.

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Fascinating and still relevant.

This is one of Orwell's lesser-known works, but still one of his better ones, Taking us through the squalid living and working conditions of 1930s Northern miners.

A tract on socialism.

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How much has changed without much changing at all

Orwell could be describing my law lecturer of today when he speaks of the left leaning self professed virtuous socialist who knows nothing of the class in which he proclaims to care about. Well written and eye opening, leaving you with the idea that that socialism had a potential before being dragged into a polarising fight by marxism.

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Must read

A classic of world literature that still rings true nearly 90 years on. A must read

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What goes around, comes around.

An essay in two parts from an influential writer in a very different era. But the insights are very relevant for the post covid world of 2022. Do we live better now, than in the pre WW2 era ?
In 2020 1st world countries the gaping chasm between the ruling class and the proletariat still exists, and aspects of 1984 the novel are uncomfortably close.

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Depressing but insightful

It revealed the issue of class in England in a way I had never thought about it. The insights are timeless and one can see the formation of animal farm and 1984 in the ideas promulgated here. Some of it is hard going and dated but the pearls of wisdom garnered through years of suffering and thought are priceless.

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An unrealised socialist utopian dream

A trip down memory lane I still remember deliveries by coal men through the house emptying their Saks in the coal bunker out the back yard🤔
A good reminder of what hardship and real poverty looks like. I little over-laboured on bookkeeping in places.
Listened to this as recommended by Jordan Peterson and certainly feel enriched for that journey. Unfortunately the one critical issue not covered adequately is the inherent wickedness in the heart of mankind and no external government system will ever address this however good it is. Transformation from the inside out is what is needed to cleanse our soul. Only one historical person I know has a track record of really accomplishing that despite some fakes and frauds out there pretending at being followers of Christ.

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incredibly insightful, relevant and precise

amazing writing, that at times prompts a chuckle with his bombastic word-sprays about what or who he is criticizing. A truthful, honest, and strikingly concise observation of the elements of his society then. with important lessons for humanity now, with our ongoing and unfolding trajectory through cultural issues.

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Awesome Orwell

interesting from start to finish , highlighted the plight of the working man , and everything that doesn't work within progressive politics

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