65 pages • 2 hours read
Rebecca SolnitOrwell's Roses
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Orwell's Roses?
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.