Book Review Summary: As I Please: 1943-1945 (The Collected Essays, Journalism & Letters, Vol. 3)

Introduction

"As I Please: 1943-1945 (The Collected Essays, Journalism & Letters, Vol. 3)" by George Orwell is a compilation of the author's writings from 1943 to 1945. In this book, Orwell shares his thoughts on various topics, including politics, literature, language, and culture. His essays and journalism from this period provide a fascinating glimpse into the world during World War II and offer insights into Orwell's views on society, politics, and the human condition.

About George Orwell

George Orwell, the author of "As I Please: 1943-1945," was an English writer and journalist known for his keen intelligence, wit, and ability to capture the essence of social injustice. Orwell's work is marked by a profound awareness of social injustice, an intense opposition to totalitarianism, a passion for clarity in language, and a belief in democratic socialism. He served as a police officer in Burma and fought in the Spanish Civil War before becoming a prolific journalist and writer. Orwell's most famous works include "Nineteen Eighty-Four" and "Animal Farm," which have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Analysis of Views

1. Prolific Output: Readers are amazed by Orwell's extraordinary productivity. He writes with clarity and devoid of affectation throughout the book. The sheer volume of his output is astounding.
2. Political Commitment: Orwell's political views are deeply felt and passionately defended. He believes in democratic socialism and uses his writing to advocate for his beliefs. His commitment to social justice is evident in his essays.
3. Sanity: Despite the chaos and propaganda of the time, Orwell's writings exude a sense of sanity. He provides a much-needed respite from the jingoistic rhetoric prevalent during the war. His insights into postwar Europe and his predictions about future political structures are fascinating to read.
4. Engaging Personality: Orwell is described as an engaging person to spend time with. His writing is perceptive, matter-of-fact, and intellectually honest. He never shies away from admitting when he is wrong, making his essays all the more relatable.
5. Brilliant Style: Orwell's style is immaculate, carrying readers along effortlessly. His judgments are always interesting, making his essays a delight to read.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Insightful Perspectives: Readers recommend this book for its insightful perspectives on politics, literature, language, and culture during the war years. Orwell's essays provide valuable insights into the political landscape and offer a unique perspective on the events of the time.
2. Engaging Writing: The book's engaging writing style makes it an enjoyable read for both fans of Orwell and those new to his work. Orwell's ability to distill his thoughts into concise pieces makes them accessible and captivating.
3. Timeless Relevance: Despite being written during World War II, Orwell's essays continue to resonate with readers today. His warnings against totalitarianism and his advocacy for democratic socialism remain relevant in contemporary society.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Lack of Significant Historical Moments: Some readers feel that Orwell's essays do not adequately address significant historical moments such as D-Day, Hiroshima/Nagasaki, and the end of the war. They feel that these events deserved more attention from such an insightful writer.
2. Triviality: A few readers find some of the essays in this book trivial compared to Orwell's other works. They feel that the topics covered are not as significant or impactful as some of his other writings.

Conclusion

"As I Please: 1943-1945 (The Collected Essays, Journalism & Letters, Vol. 3)" by George Orwell is a captivating book that offers a glimpse into the world during World War II through the lens of one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century. Orwell's prolific output, political commitment, engaging personality, and brilliant style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in literature, politics, or social justice. While some readers feel that certain essays lack significance or address significant historical moments, overall, the book is highly recommended for its insightful perspectives and timeless relevance.