Down and Out in Paris and London

By: George Orwell

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Orwell's own experiences inspire this semi-autobiographical novel about a man living in Paris in the early 1930s without a penny. The narrator's poverty brings him into contact with strange incidents and characters, which he manages to chronicle with great sensitivity and graphic power. The latter half of the book takes the English narrator to his home city, London, where the world of poverty is different in externals only.

A socialist who believed that the lower classes were the wellspring of world reform, Orwell actually went to live among them in England and on the continent. His novel draws on his experiences of this world, from the bottom of the echelon in the kitchens of posh French restaurants to the free lodging houses, tramps, and street people of London. In the tales of both cities, we learn some sobering truths about poverty and society.

©1962 S. M. Pitt-Rivers (P)1993 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Genuine, unexaggerated, and intelligent." - ( New Republic)
"The most lucid portrait of poverty in the English language...combines good narrative with wit, humor, and honest realism." ( The Nation)
"Excellent...a model of the realistic approach." ( New York Times Book Review)

Surprisingly Engaging

There were enough interesting stories and vignettes to make this read like a novel. Interspersed are Orwell's observations - which are concise and thoughtful. I happen to like the narrator. As such, it was an enjoyable listen for me.

Great but for the anti-Semitism

This is a thoughtful and colorful tale that is a sympathetic portrait of post WWI poverty but sadly marred by Orwell’s anti-Semitism, which I was unprepared for.

Unexpected enjoyment

I enjoyed listening to a view from the other side. It definitely makes me think differently about some people i interact with.

Brilliantly voiced. Wonderful stories

The narrator awesomely voices all the characters. The stories are full of social commentary and interesting stories. Highly recommend.

Excellent performance adding to the text

This books contains lots of interesting anecdotes and stories. It will for instance change the way you see restaurants and what happens in the kitchen.