The Orwell Tour: Travels through the Life and Work of George Orwell

by Oliver Lewis

A travelogue exploring the life and work of George Orwell through the places he lived, worked and wrote

Following in the footsteps of his literary hero, researcher and historian Oliver Lewis set out to visit all the places to have inspired and been lived in by George Orwell.

Over three years he travelled from Wigan to Catalonia, Paris to Motihari, Marrakesh to Eton, and in each location explored both how Orwell experienced the place, and how the place now remembers him as a literary icon.

Beginning in Northern India, where Orwell was born in 1903, and ending in the Oxfordshire village of Sutton Courtenay, where he was laid to rest in 1950, The Orwell Tour offers an accessible and informative new biography of Orwell through the lens of place.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Travel, Biography, Literature

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2023

Reviews

[Ivan Monckton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty thin stuff this..this is certainly not a book that the author was bursting to get out, more a case of coming up with an excuse for bombing around the world on expenses, and writing a few inconsequential paragraphs about the purported subject, George Orwell, and a few more about the author himself.
Lewis claims to be a fan of Orwell, but lost me early on when he basically accused him of rape without a single smidgeon of evidence.
Don’t waste your money on this piffle!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A travelogue about the places that Orwell lived and shaped him s thinking and works. Born in India, moving back to England with the chapter titles the places he lived or visited. Henley-on-Thames, Eton College, Southwold, Hayes, Hampstead, Wallington. Wigan, Fitzrovia, Jura and is final resting place Sutton Courtney in Oxfordshire. Overseas locations were also visited as well with Myanmar, Paris, Catalonia and Marrakech.

The author makes the point this is not an academic or biography. It’s a reflection on a series of visits to places that motivated and inspired Orwell in his books, essays and journalism. The author with his dog George explored the homes and places in an entertaining and provides information I never knew about Orwell.

What would have made the book more appealing is photographs of the places he lived and more detailed maps of the places he lived.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review, so here it is. As something of an Orwell fan and someone who loves reading travel books, combining the two was perfect. I felt myself being transported to the places the author himself visited and I absolutely loved it. Would definitely recommend.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, this review also appears on my blog at: https://livemanylives.wordpress.com/

The Orwell Tour is exactly what you would imagine it to be. Oliver Lewis travels through the places where Orwell lived and worked linking them back to his writing, considering the changes that have taken place and reflecting on the footprint Orwell left, or in many cases disappointingly didn’t. It covers his birthplace in India, his various homes in the United Kingdom, his work in the police in Myanmar (Burma), his involvement in the Spanish Civil War and so on through his all too short, but wildly productive, life.

I’m a great believer in the benefits of travel, but also that a sustainable planet cannot sustain the hyper-mobility of people that has become the accepted nature of our shrinking world, so I believe travel must have a purpose and travel writing has a key role to play in our society. Good travel writing, indeed journalism as a whole, should allow us to engage with the world outside of our own location and experience. Orwell was a master of this with his objective reporting and creative characterisation and The Orwell Tour achieves it perhaps most powerfully by re-directing the reader to Orwell’s work.

As I followed the author’s journey through Orwell’s life, I found myself drawn back to the novels and journalism that I have long enjoyed but with a new perspective, knowing that bit more about where the words came from. I feel that I know Orwell better and that I have fresh eyes to re-visit him. I also realised that I hadn’t spent nearly enough time with his essays, having focused previously on the novels and the major well-known books of reportage. Even before saying farewell to the Tour, I was enjoying Orwell’s reflections on working in a bookshop, on the talent of Charles Dickens, some of the more exotic aspects of his life abroad and, appropriately, his confessions on being a book reviewer.

Orwell was a fascinating character and the tension in his thinking between the conservatism that was shaped in his youth and perhaps strengthened in his middle (or for him final) age and the revolutionary sympathies that he is generally recognised for, makes for an engaging and thought-provoking theme in his life and writing. He was a complex man, much more so than he is sometimes portrayed by those who would focus on only one element of his thought.

I would recommend The Orwell Tour to anyone, whether you have read Orwell and want some new insight to take back to your reading, or only know him from his deep absorption into our culture (which is surely inescapable), as this book is a signpost and will guide you to one of the greatest writers this country has ever produced, whom everyone should read.

[Jane Fudger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is essentially a travelogue explaining the life and work of George Orwell through the places he lived and worked.
The book took the author three years to write including his travels to the North East and the South of England, Spain, France, India, Morrocco and finally Scotland. In each location the author experiences the place and how they now remember him and how Orwell's travels influenced his politics.
I enjoyed the book - an interesting and informative biography of one of Britian's most famous authors

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Lewis, The Orwell Tour Travels through the life and work of George Orwell, Icon Books, Sep 2023.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Travel to places such as Wigan, Catalonia, Paris, Motihari and Marrakesh referencing Orwell’s novels and insights into the author and his writing – what more could a reader want? That George Orwell was born in Northern India and died in Sutton Courtenay is intriguing in itself - and what happened in between is a story adroitly woven by Oliver Lewis in The Orwell Tour Travels through the life and work of George Orwell.

I enjoyed the pleasure that Lewis so clearly finds in writing about Orwell, associated locations, and indeed in his own approach to the subject. The enthusiasm Lewis feels permeates the book and I felt drawn into a life and places about which I knew something, but little in comparison with Lewis. Unlike Oliver Lewis, I have not read most of Orwell’s work, as I recall from many years back only the two most well-known, Animal Farm and 1984, and Homage to Catalonia and The Road to Wigan Pier. I also came newly to the many places Lewis visits. This does not matter, he unfailingly provides a picture that draws upon the written work, Orwell’s character and the countries from which Orwell took his inspiration.

Although Lewis refers to the many biographies that have been written. And does not presume to replicate them, he sketches in enough biographical information to give his emphasis on the novels and his travelogue a context. And that travelogue is a good insight into location, the novels and Orwell.

I found this a satisfying and engaging work. I feel that an admirer of Orwell as well as the not so admiring can also find The Orwell Tour Travels through the life and work of George Orwell an enjoyable account of places, novels and biographical snippets of a writer whose Animal Farm and 1984 still resonate in the 2000s.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read as part of my own Orwell journey, having recently finished Burma Sahib, by Paul Theroux, and Orwell's Burmese Days, among other books. Next up, Finding George Orwell in Burma.

[Graculus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've long been a fan of the writing of George Orwell, so I picked this up on a whim as I was interested in the premise - basically, the author follows in Orwell's footsteps around the world, visiting the places where he lived and worked in what was, unfortunately, a life cut short by serious illness.

This was one of those books that attempts a little to be all things to all people, both covering a lot of detail about Orwell's life and writings for those who were new to him and also introducing new information from the author's own research. I'm not completely convinced that it manages both of those jobs equally well and at times it felt as though I came away knowing more about the author himself than I did Orwell. There were definitely a few places where I was left feeling distinctly uncomfortable by the way places and people were described, at times in quite a condescending fashion.

This was also one of those books where the formatting made it harder to appreciate the overall layout. There were a number of maps, since Orwell travelled a lot, but they were unreadable in the downloaded version. Hopefully they'll be better done in a complete (paper) version of this book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book in question.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Lewis visits all the places associated with Orwell, starting with India where he was born in 1903, in a remote area in the north. His family belonged to a now-vanished class of British society, generations of families that built their wealth on the colonial relationship between Britain and India. Orwell's family was fairly low in the hierarchy and he came to loathe the values of British India.

Arriving in India Lewis is charged 600 rupees at a hotel when he sees that the majority of guests, locals, pay as little as 100 a night. He visits the Orwell bungalow after searching for an English speaker. Apparently just 1 visitor every month makes this pilgrimage.

The book continues in this vein, part travelogue and part history, explaining social and governmental attitudes at the time. Other places visited include Shiplake, a village near Henley where the Blairs lived over a 15 year period; Eton College; Myanmar, where Orwell wrote Burmese Days, and Southwold which Orwell used as a base as he travelled to and from London, Kent and Paris.

It's difficult to know who the book is aimed at. Orwell's legion of admirers for sure, but also an interesting book for anyone to dive into. It's a fascinating account of the times in which Orwell lived and wrote.

Thanks to NetGalley and Icon Books for the eARC in return for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like biographies that try to be a bit different. That aren’t just a chronological recounting of events in someone’s life from birth through death. Oliver Lewis has written one of those biographies. Yes it is life of George Orwell but instead of birth through death, we have the author (and sometimes his dog George) visiting the places that Orwell visited. And of course Orwell visited a lot of places. We go from Eton through Catalonia and Marrakesh to Oxfordshire via Wigan.

Along the route, we learn why a young man educated at Eton became such a champion of the underdog and we learn of his need to make his own choices - like becoming a policeman in India rather than joining the Civil Service.

Mr Lewis is an engaging writer and the places and events and people come alive to help paint a three dimensional picture of the journey from Eric Blair to George Orwell. Recommended if you’re a fan of Orwell but even if you’re not, this is an interesting and entertaining read.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley

[Seshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book - quite an interesting way of going about providing a biography of Eric Arthur Blair (pen name George Orwell) - the author went to all of the key places where Orwell spent his life from places such as Burma to Marrakech to the Hebridean Island of Jura all of which was laid out chronological to Orwell's own travels.

One is kept on their toes reading this book since the author's dog (who travels with him) is also called George and so references to 'George' in the book just as often refer to the author and his dog's experience of the different locations as it would Orwell. There is a slightly magically real aspect to the author's writing when he states how the landscape is now and how it may or may not have changed from when Orwell was there (perhaps it's just historical speculation), enjoyable nonetheless.

Have only read "Animal Farm" from Orwell and I read that when I was around 12/13. Am keen to read more of his works. Would give 3.5 if half-stars were available.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book for Christmas, really enjoyed it. I've read a few of Orwell's books and knew a bit about the man, but not much. So this book was informative and engaging, a good mix of travelogue, history and biography. Lewis does well to put things into historical context, shedding light on how Orwell's family life, travels, his relationships and long term illness shaped the man and influenced his perspective on the world and the ideas he conveyed in his writing. I read another reviewer here suggesting that the author accused Orwell of rape. Not so. He merely mentioned the accusation made by a woman he knew in his youth, doesn't dwell on it but surely it's something important to mention and the truth will never be known. Anyway, recommended reading.

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, part biog, part travelogue and full of previously unknown (to me) information. He was taught by Aldous Huxley for instance. The author visit places Orwell lived and it is at its strongest when talking about Marrakech, Spain or India . The author also ponders why Orwell isn’t as revered as other authors? He as no museum, just blue plaques as to where he has lived. I think it is because he has a relatively small body of novels, died young and also wrote one of the most terrifying novels in the English language. A small amount of knowledge of his work is needed beyond animal farm and 1984to get full value from this Netgalley arc.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was instantly enamoured with this gorgeous, compassionate story of one man's travels in the footsteps of George Orwell. I felt such a deep connection with Lewis's words as they reflected my own passion for Orwell's writing in my 20s. Lewis writes prosaically about the influences and experiences that shaped Orwell into the thinker and writer he became. He painstakingly follows Orwell around the world to all the locations he had a connection with. Lewis demonstrates great skill at depicting the different landscapes and climates, echoing Orwell's love and respect for the natural world.

My grateful thanks to #Netgalley and #Iconbooks for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Jamad · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting premise - a travelogue based on places George Orwell lived and what he wrote in those places The book certainly made me want to read Orwell and brought back memories of many of the places I have visited.

On balance, though, I found the book to be somewhat meanderings and, in places, opinion was stated as fact. For example, when visiting Orwell’s grave the write comments that due to theft “The result is that churches are locked except for services…” Clealry the author hasn’t visited many English churches.

thanks to Netgallry for the ARC.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has spent two years travelling to all the main places Blair (Orwell) lived, and travelled to. Starting in India, travelling around the UK, Europe, North Africa and back to the UK it gives a context to what made him who he was, his relationships, passions and how his health affected his travels and life. I laughed at the implications of naming his dog Marx, and found his (naive?) fearless attitude to fighting in the civil war which almost cost him his life.

Is a well- written book and eminently readable so highly readable!

[Stacey Bookerworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Orwell Tour: Travels Through the Life and Works of George Orwell is written by an author who is clearly passionate about the topic and knows what he is talking about.

Read more of our review here: https://www.bookerworm.com/reviews/84...

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and informative exploration of Orwell’s life and work through the places he lived and worked in. The author follows in his footsteps, an approach which I found interesting and illuminating. Part biography, part travelogue and part memoir, I enjoyed the meanderings and digressions the author allows himself, and found it a satisfying and thought-provoking read.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part travelogue and part literary essay. It's an interesting read and I preferred the travelogue part as it was a different way of learning about Orwell.
I think it's recommended if you like Orwell and read some of his work.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Karen Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating ramble through the life and times of George Orwell. Having read his books ,many times, it gave a greater depth to my understanding of his tales. The travelogue parts definately made me want to travel again.

[LimeCream · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Orwell's writing, I really liked this book. The writer has put together an interesting and insightful read.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Roger Morgan-Grenville · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice way to get to know Orwell better, both through his 'places' and through the author's huge enthusiasm for him.

[Ian Howells · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Interesting travelogue. Author slightly snobby. Learned a lot about Orwell

[Andy Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Really enjoyed this relatively light romp through Erics life and times.

[Carlton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loosely written in a colloquial British style, this is a travelogue of Lewis’s visits to places associated with Blair/Orwell:
• Birthplace of Motihari in North-East India
• Boyhood in Shiplake and Henley-upon-Thames
• Youth at Eton, where he was taught by M R James and Aldous Huxley (perhaps)
• Myanmar/ Burma, where he worked as a colonial policeman, from which experience he wrote Burmese Days. This chapter is most interesting because the locations are so different
• Southwold, where his parents retired and provided the background for A Clergyman’s Daughter
• Paris, featured in Down and Out in Paris and London
• Hayes, Middlesex, where Orwell worked as a small private school teacher
• Hampstead, London, working in a bookshop
• Wigan, although Orwell visited other industrial towns on his journey to Wigan’ “Pier”
• Catalonia, where Orwell fought and was wounded in the Spanish Civil War
• Marrakesh, where Orwell tried to mitigate the effects of tuberculosis
• Fitzrovia, where Orwell lived during the Second World War
• Jura, Scotland, where he hoped to again mitigate the effects of his tuberculosis
• Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, where he was buried (but otherwise had no connection)

The idea of visiting the places where Orwell had lived was novel and interestingly documented. However, I was rather dissatisfied with Lewis’s style, with mentions of his dog being unilluminating and his views sometimes appearing contradictory, such as when he says that Eton (and similar schools) surpassed possibly any other type of education in the world for a child of that age, but later states that at each level the academic expectations of the pupil became less and less, reflecting Orwell’s increasing dissatisfaction with the nature of education provided for him.
I am glad to have read this book, having read much of Orwell’s writings (other than the lesser known novels), and remembering little of an old biography that I read (The Crystal Spirit by George Woodcock), I found the biographical information interesting. I also enjoyed the travel writing, which strives with varying success to be evocative and interesting.
However, I found the book too uneven and unsure of its purpose, too conversational and meandering. There are lots of interesting facts and some good writing, but it didn’t come together for me to be anything more than a collection of stories and anecdotes.

I received a Netgalley copy of this book, but this review is my honest opinion.