John's Reviews > Orwell's Roses

This book examines and links Orwell’s interest in gardening with his writing and political commitments. The seven sections link Orwell with different times of his life such as his 10 years at Wallington cottage and his planting of roses and other plants. His last years on Jura and again his gardening prowess.

The author also talks about the meaning of roses and their mass production in Columbia for America and the political, human and environmental costs. She also links Orwell’s books and essays with his love of nature and the environment.

It was interesting to read of Orwell’s ancestors and their links to slavery in the West Indies and his own father’s career in selling opium. Of course the central theme is Orwell’s loathing of facism and totalitarianism aptly described in his masterpiece 1984.

Well worth a read. I never knew about containment in England and how it resulted in the wealthy or aristocracy forcing communities off their land by law. Ultimately resulting in poverty and destitution for the general populace. A bit like Amazon, Walmart and other corporations creating a world of robotic efficiency.