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Mrs. Orwell
Eileen Blair, wife and partner of George Orwell, is brought out of her husband’s shadow in this riveting graphic novel, which follows the couples’ tireless campaign to expose difficult political truths through art.
The end of the world is at hand. The Roaring Twenties are over, fascist forces are on the rise across Europe, and the dream of a workers’ paradise is all but dead. But in the midst of these turbulent times, a turbulent love story unfolds—one that would forever reshape our perception of totalitarianism.
Mrs. Orwell follows poet Eileen Blair and her husband, George Orwell, as they forge the professional and romantic partnership that would eventually bring us Animal Farm and 1984. From a honeymoon fighting fascists in the Spanish Civil War, to a narrow escape from Stalin’s agents and an even narrower escape from the London blitz, the Blairs’ campaign against fascism would bring them face-to-face with some of the greatest threats of the 1930s. But while Orwell struggles to make his voice heard against the pressures of political censorship, Eileen must fight to preserve her own voice within a marriage that threatened to consume her.
This sweeping account of Eileen Blair’s brief but dazzling life casts new light on a long-overlooked figure, and her persistent defense of that most beloved, most vulnerable the power of the pen.
The end of the world is at hand. The Roaring Twenties are over, fascist forces are on the rise across Europe, and the dream of a workers’ paradise is all but dead. But in the midst of these turbulent times, a turbulent love story unfolds—one that would forever reshape our perception of totalitarianism.
Mrs. Orwell follows poet Eileen Blair and her husband, George Orwell, as they forge the professional and romantic partnership that would eventually bring us Animal Farm and 1984. From a honeymoon fighting fascists in the Spanish Civil War, to a narrow escape from Stalin’s agents and an even narrower escape from the London blitz, the Blairs’ campaign against fascism would bring them face-to-face with some of the greatest threats of the 1930s. But while Orwell struggles to make his voice heard against the pressures of political censorship, Eileen must fight to preserve her own voice within a marriage that threatened to consume her.
This sweeping account of Eileen Blair’s brief but dazzling life casts new light on a long-overlooked figure, and her persistent defense of that most beloved, most vulnerable the power of the pen.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 24, 2025
A fascinating graphic novelization of the life of George Orwell's wife- an outspoken political activist, writer, editor, and often breadwinner while her husband worked on novels. She was brilliant and a badass, even with a husband who was often unfaithful and painful infertility issues. I always love a peek at unsung women who were a critical part of great art and this definitely offers that. I knew nothing about her and I'm glad that has changed! I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
November 27, 2025
Animal Farm IS one of my special interests, but I think this graphic novel just started a new George Orwell phase of my life. I want to know as much about Eric & Eileen Blair (the two people behind the pseudonym George Orwell) as Chalupa does.
This graphic novel is described by the author as historical fiction, but it was so informative! I knew nothing about Eileen Blair, and I am now completely stunned by her intelligence, strength, and passion. This is a story about how a strong, independent woman worked her way up and fell in love with a (kind of crappy) man. But together??? Jeez they were unstoppable. I highly recommend this to anyone with any sort of interest in George Orwell’s books, especially Animal Farm! The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is heartwarming & heartbreaking.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This graphic novel is described by the author as historical fiction, but it was so informative! I knew nothing about Eileen Blair, and I am now completely stunned by her intelligence, strength, and passion. This is a story about how a strong, independent woman worked her way up and fell in love with a (kind of crappy) man. But together??? Jeez they were unstoppable. I highly recommend this to anyone with any sort of interest in George Orwell’s books, especially Animal Farm! The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is heartwarming & heartbreaking.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
September 8, 2025
Mrs. Orwell is a powerful graphic novel that finally shines a light on Eileen O’Shaughnessy, the brilliant, ambitious woman behind George Orwell. Long overshadowed, she played a vital role in shaping Animal Farm and 1984, even as her own talent was sidelined by the limits placed on women in the 1940s.
The book captures Eileen’s determination to make a difference—whether bracing against the rise of fascism or following Orwell to Spain, where she believed in his ability to move people through words, a mission she yearned to claim herself.
The storytelling is sharp and accessible, with art that supports the narrative without ever overwhelming it. I was gripped, especially since I came in knowing little about Eileen’s life. For those who want more, the acclaimed prose biography Wifedom offers a deeper dive.
Thx to NetGalley for the arc! Very enjoyable read.
The book captures Eileen’s determination to make a difference—whether bracing against the rise of fascism or following Orwell to Spain, where she believed in his ability to move people through words, a mission she yearned to claim herself.
The storytelling is sharp and accessible, with art that supports the narrative without ever overwhelming it. I was gripped, especially since I came in knowing little about Eileen’s life. For those who want more, the acclaimed prose biography Wifedom offers a deeper dive.
Thx to NetGalley for the arc! Very enjoyable read.
November 12, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
Having never even read a single biography about George Orwell or his wife (although I may in the near future), I knew basically nothing about them except the books he has written. Although I really enjoyed this book, it seemed like the reader was expected to have prior information. There were pages and pages with people that hadn't seen before with no words or introduction. I really think this would have been better in a limited series. There was just too much information to try fit in one graphic novel. Either that or have more paragraphs describing what is happening.
With all that said, I did enjoy it. It made want to go look up a biography and read more about her. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.
Would definitely recommend this.
Having never even read a single biography about George Orwell or his wife (although I may in the near future), I knew basically nothing about them except the books he has written. Although I really enjoyed this book, it seemed like the reader was expected to have prior information. There were pages and pages with people that hadn't seen before with no words or introduction. I really think this would have been better in a limited series. There was just too much information to try fit in one graphic novel. Either that or have more paragraphs describing what is happening.
With all that said, I did enjoy it. It made want to go look up a biography and read more about her. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.
Would definitely recommend this.
June 3, 2026
I’m not the biggest fan of a graphic novel but it’s nice to switch it up 😎 Did you know that JRR Tolkien taught literature at Oxford??
October 6, 2025
The limits that are put on women, making it hard for them to find time to write, is why Virgiinia Wolf wrote “A Room of One’s Own”, in which she speaks about giving space to writing, but it is not just a room that one needs, but time, and space to write as well. If you are constantly working on the farm, or on other people’s writings, you are not writing your own.
This is the case with Eileen Blair, who studied at Oxford under Tolkien, who wanted to go on to do big things, but the time, just before the second world war, and also the time when women were expected to marry, put a damper on her doing her own writing.
When she meets George Orwell, she doesn’t give up her dreams completely, instead helping him with his two greatest novels, Animal Farm and 1984. She comes up with the titles, and contributes to the story's contents. From what we read, it was more a collaboration,than an inspiration, but since Orwell never credited her, for some reason, we can’t be sure how much of each.
For a couple whose idea was a honeymoon in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, I suppose we should expect a different sort of viewpoint. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the “other half” of George Orwell, and wish they had both lasted a little longer, because, what else might they have come up with.
Thanks to Netgalley and First Second Books for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 31st of March 2026.
This is the case with Eileen Blair, who studied at Oxford under Tolkien, who wanted to go on to do big things, but the time, just before the second world war, and also the time when women were expected to marry, put a damper on her doing her own writing.
When she meets George Orwell, she doesn’t give up her dreams completely, instead helping him with his two greatest novels, Animal Farm and 1984. She comes up with the titles, and contributes to the story's contents. From what we read, it was more a collaboration,than an inspiration, but since Orwell never credited her, for some reason, we can’t be sure how much of each.
For a couple whose idea was a honeymoon in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, I suppose we should expect a different sort of viewpoint. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the “other half” of George Orwell, and wish they had both lasted a little longer, because, what else might they have come up with.
Thanks to Netgalley and First Second Books for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 31st of March 2026.
May 20, 2026
I will always appreciate nonfiction graphic novels like this because they read fast - I read half of this yesterday afternoon and finished it in the evening - and I can learn about something I never would have otherwise in a way that's much more memorable for me than listening to a podcast or skimming wikipedia. Eileen Blair seems really cool! She studied under Tolkien at Oxford, volunteered for a socialist party during the Spanish Civil War and barely escaped when the fascists took over, wrote a poem that inspired 1984, typed & edited & encouraged & shaped her husband's writing, and multiple times saved his life and his manuscripts. George, on the other hand, seems like a real piece of shit.
3.5 stars. Available at the KCK library.
3.5 stars. Available at the KCK library.
March 20, 2026
This was my first time hearing about Eileen Blair and this book provided an accessible way of learning about her story. I loved the art style and thought it really helped bring the story to life without overshadowing the importance of the information being shared. If you are interested in learning about important women in history, this one is definitely worth the read.
Read this if you like:
🖋️ Feminist biography
🖋️ Political censorship
🖋️ Love story
🖋️ Power of the pen
Thank you @23rdstbooks for the gifted copy of the book.
Read this if you like:
🖋️ Feminist biography
🖋️ Political censorship
🖋️ Love story
🖋️ Power of the pen
Thank you @23rdstbooks for the gifted copy of the book.
April 30, 2026
The title of this graphic novel is a bit tongue-in-cheek, of course, because Eileen Blair was so much more than just George Orwell’s wife. While the graphic novel is a fictionalized version of her life, there is no doubt that she had a major role to play in the creations that went on to make Orwell famous. Fascinating story and the art was great!
June 2, 2026
Sad, but good to know more about this intelligent woman. She was so much more than the wife of a famous writer. She sacrificed herself for his work. Would we even know his pen name if not for her?
February 18, 2026
Chalupa did an incredible job conveying the research of Eileen Blair’s life in this graphic novel.
She was ambitious, brilliant, outspoken, passionate, and anti-fascist. Also, not credited nearly enough for her efforts: blatant oversight from patriarchal history.
Ultimately, it manages to make history accessible to anyone who picks this up.
Although the Spanish Civil War isn’t the focus of this story, providing some additional context to readers would be beneficial.
Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books | 23rd St for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
She was ambitious, brilliant, outspoken, passionate, and anti-fascist. Also, not credited nearly enough for her efforts: blatant oversight from patriarchal history.
Ultimately, it manages to make history accessible to anyone who picks this up.
Although the Spanish Civil War isn’t the focus of this story, providing some additional context to readers would be beneficial.
Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books | 23rd St for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A somewhat fictionalized graphic novel biography of Eileen O’Shaughnessy Blair, the wife of Eric Blair who wrote under the pen name George Orwell. Chalupa tells how Eileen and Eric met. How this young woman who got a degree in literature at Oxford under Tolkien and ran her own secretarial/editing business caught his eye, how they got married and went to Spain on their honeymoon to fight the Fascists as the civil war there kicked off and both almost died. How Eileen engineered their escape. And how she encouraged, inspired, edited, typed up, and helped get several of the works credited to Eric to their final published form before dying quite young during WWII during a routine surgery.
George Orwell is such a well-recognized name, but I’d never heard before that it is a pseudonym or how heavily involved the author’s wife was in the creation of several of the works published under that name. The author of this graphic novel hints that perhaps it would be more fair to say George Orwell is a band name for both members of the married couple behind it. Eileen was the first one to start making up stories about the farm animals. She edited the work, typed it up, and encouraged Eric to keep going when he wanted to give up on it. Eileen was the one to write a poem entitled “1984” in her college days, and the one who worked in the British ministry that decided what could and couldn’t go to print during the war years. The author makes a great argument that without Eileen, there would have been no Animal Farm or 1984. So I am glad that this work will help give credit where credit is due, especially for works so commonly assigned to high school students. That said, I wouldn’t recommend this to just anyone. It isn’t a necessarily happy story. Eric was not faithful to Eileen and had several affairs. Eileen may or may not have been in love with their commanding officer from Spain. Their lives were messy and the author doesn’t shy away from that truth. So know the reader you hand this to and whether they can handle such content.
Notes on content [based on the eARC]:
Language: I only remember 1 moderate swear.
Sexual content: There are no sex scenes on page and no nudity, but it is hinted that such has just happened or will happen as characters are shown in bed together or lounging around in just their underwear or kissing. (Sometimes this is Eileen and Eric, and sometimes Eric and his latest fling.) It is clearly stated that Eric had affairs. Eileen writes love letters to Kopp but she says it is just to give him hope and that her heart belongs to Eric.
Violence: Eileen is almost trampled in a protest. People are shot and beat up and killed in the Spanish Civil War. Eric was shot through the neck but survived. Their friend Kopp was tortured for information. Some of this is depicted on page but the art style makes it not gory. Deaths during WWII are mentioned or hinted at. Eileen dies of complications during a hysterectomy and Eric has some kind of lung disease (maybe TB) that killed him a few years later.
Ethnic diversity: White British, Spanish, some Russians and French.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Eileen mentions unfair treatment at Oxford because of her gender. Characters are frequently shown smoking (as was common at that time) and there’s a bit of drinking at the beginning. Eileen mentions that she drinks too much. Eileen is told she physically can’t have children.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
George Orwell is such a well-recognized name, but I’d never heard before that it is a pseudonym or how heavily involved the author’s wife was in the creation of several of the works published under that name. The author of this graphic novel hints that perhaps it would be more fair to say George Orwell is a band name for both members of the married couple behind it. Eileen was the first one to start making up stories about the farm animals. She edited the work, typed it up, and encouraged Eric to keep going when he wanted to give up on it. Eileen was the one to write a poem entitled “1984” in her college days, and the one who worked in the British ministry that decided what could and couldn’t go to print during the war years. The author makes a great argument that without Eileen, there would have been no Animal Farm or 1984. So I am glad that this work will help give credit where credit is due, especially for works so commonly assigned to high school students. That said, I wouldn’t recommend this to just anyone. It isn’t a necessarily happy story. Eric was not faithful to Eileen and had several affairs. Eileen may or may not have been in love with their commanding officer from Spain. Their lives were messy and the author doesn’t shy away from that truth. So know the reader you hand this to and whether they can handle such content.
Notes on content [based on the eARC]:
Language: I only remember 1 moderate swear.
Sexual content: There are no sex scenes on page and no nudity, but it is hinted that such has just happened or will happen as characters are shown in bed together or lounging around in just their underwear or kissing. (Sometimes this is Eileen and Eric, and sometimes Eric and his latest fling.) It is clearly stated that Eric had affairs. Eileen writes love letters to Kopp but she says it is just to give him hope and that her heart belongs to Eric.
Violence: Eileen is almost trampled in a protest. People are shot and beat up and killed in the Spanish Civil War. Eric was shot through the neck but survived. Their friend Kopp was tortured for information. Some of this is depicted on page but the art style makes it not gory. Deaths during WWII are mentioned or hinted at. Eileen dies of complications during a hysterectomy and Eric has some kind of lung disease (maybe TB) that killed him a few years later.
Ethnic diversity: White British, Spanish, some Russians and French.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Eileen mentions unfair treatment at Oxford because of her gender. Characters are frequently shown smoking (as was common at that time) and there’s a bit of drinking at the beginning. Eileen mentions that she drinks too much. Eileen is told she physically can’t have children.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2025
This Graphic Novel highlights a woman otherwise forgotten in time and eclipsed by her husband: Eileen Blair nee O'Shaughnessy. Despite 'knowing' about George Orwell and reading his books in High School I'd never once thought to see if he was married. That is the greatest of oversights as well as a sad reflection of the patriarchy we are forced to experience. Because of this I was excited to be given the opportunity to learn about her and her struggles. Extra bonus was it being in one of my favorite formats.
The artwork in this book is very good. I thoroughly enjoy this style. I’m not overly familiar with the artist, but there's nothing to complain about except for some character design that could have been expanded to abate confusion. Some of the scenes are so truly dynamic it felt like an entire experience. I was extremely impressed by all the crowd scenes in this book. I felt the press of people in all those illustrations.
Firstly, let’s get my expectations out of the way. Based on my experiences reading Graphic Novels focusing on women. I had some set expectations: a themed study of a woman who was sacrificing, mourning and accepting various unique (and not so unique) experiences in her life during a moment of global upheaval. I expected it to be heavy on emotions, I expected some scenes and moments that challenged my thoughts on Orwell based on her experiences.
This Graphic Novel did not give me any of that. I didn’t get any emotion about her giving up her Masters to help her husband. I didn’t feel any terror at her life in the middle of a civil war. I didn’t feel any real personal sorrow over her health concerns, or other female oriented troubles she would have encountered.
What I did get was a vignette heavy biographic overview of a woman who sacrificed her own ambition to fully throw herself behind her husband's work with absolute faith that his work was important. Despite the ups and downs in their married life and where it led them, the one thing she held on to was that Orwell’s work was worthy of her support and aid. There was no greater cheerleader and supporter in his life than her. And while her political sympathies and rebellious ways seemed to predate him in some way, she was more than willing to let his revolutionary thoughts guide their marriage. She was hardworking and kept them afloat while he worked on his art, even to the detriment of herself. Despite any pain or hurt he caused her, she still stood by him.
And in some ways that makes the book even more bittersweet.
It’s worth a read to discover this amazing and forgotten woman who backed the man that the literary world holds in such high regard.
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for allowing me to read the ARC copy of this. This Graphic Novel releases March 31st, 2026.
The artwork in this book is very good. I thoroughly enjoy this style. I’m not overly familiar with the artist, but there's nothing to complain about except for some character design that could have been expanded to abate confusion. Some of the scenes are so truly dynamic it felt like an entire experience. I was extremely impressed by all the crowd scenes in this book. I felt the press of people in all those illustrations.
Firstly, let’s get my expectations out of the way. Based on my experiences reading Graphic Novels focusing on women. I had some set expectations: a themed study of a woman who was sacrificing, mourning and accepting various unique (and not so unique) experiences in her life during a moment of global upheaval. I expected it to be heavy on emotions, I expected some scenes and moments that challenged my thoughts on Orwell based on her experiences.
This Graphic Novel did not give me any of that. I didn’t get any emotion about her giving up her Masters to help her husband. I didn’t feel any terror at her life in the middle of a civil war. I didn’t feel any real personal sorrow over her health concerns, or other female oriented troubles she would have encountered.
What I did get was a vignette heavy biographic overview of a woman who sacrificed her own ambition to fully throw herself behind her husband's work with absolute faith that his work was important. Despite the ups and downs in their married life and where it led them, the one thing she held on to was that Orwell’s work was worthy of her support and aid. There was no greater cheerleader and supporter in his life than her. And while her political sympathies and rebellious ways seemed to predate him in some way, she was more than willing to let his revolutionary thoughts guide their marriage. She was hardworking and kept them afloat while he worked on his art, even to the detriment of herself. Despite any pain or hurt he caused her, she still stood by him.
And in some ways that makes the book even more bittersweet.
It’s worth a read to discover this amazing and forgotten woman who backed the man that the literary world holds in such high regard.
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for allowing me to read the ARC copy of this. This Graphic Novel releases March 31st, 2026.
April 7, 2026
Thank you to 23rd St. for the finished copy of Mrs. Orwell by Andrea Chalupa and illustrated by Brahm Revel. All opinions are my own.
Before reading this book, I didn’t know much about Eileen and Eric Blair. I honestly didn’t even realize that George Orwell was a pen name. Besides reading Animal Farm when I was in high school, I just knew that this author had written books that discussed politics through fiction.
Mrs. Orwell was a very interesting and educational book. Although the author stated that it was historical fiction, I think it read more like a memoir. This book started with Eileen right before she met Eric and then continued all throughout their life together. It showed not only the highs and lows of their relationship but also the major events happening in the world around them.
I found it interesting learning about their time in Spain and how much danger and oppression they faced trying to speak the truth through their writing. They went to great lengths to tell the world what atrocities were really occurring in Spain even when no one believed them.
The relationship aspect was a bit harder to read about mostly due to the fact that Eileen and Eric weren’t really that good to each other. They weren’t the nicest people, and they didn’t value each other the way that they should’ve.
While the book was interesting, there were times that I was confused because of how the story jumped around. There were several instances where a character just showed up without an introduction, and I couldn’t figure out who they were and how they fit into the story.
The illustrations in this graphic novel were very well done. My only issue is that sometimes it was hard to tell which character was which because of how similar some people looked.
Overall, this graphic novel was a quick and educational story with unlikable characters. If you are interested to learn more about George Orwell, then I think you’ll like this book.
Before reading this book, I didn’t know much about Eileen and Eric Blair. I honestly didn’t even realize that George Orwell was a pen name. Besides reading Animal Farm when I was in high school, I just knew that this author had written books that discussed politics through fiction.
Mrs. Orwell was a very interesting and educational book. Although the author stated that it was historical fiction, I think it read more like a memoir. This book started with Eileen right before she met Eric and then continued all throughout their life together. It showed not only the highs and lows of their relationship but also the major events happening in the world around them.
I found it interesting learning about their time in Spain and how much danger and oppression they faced trying to speak the truth through their writing. They went to great lengths to tell the world what atrocities were really occurring in Spain even when no one believed them.
The relationship aspect was a bit harder to read about mostly due to the fact that Eileen and Eric weren’t really that good to each other. They weren’t the nicest people, and they didn’t value each other the way that they should’ve.
While the book was interesting, there were times that I was confused because of how the story jumped around. There were several instances where a character just showed up without an introduction, and I couldn’t figure out who they were and how they fit into the story.
The illustrations in this graphic novel were very well done. My only issue is that sometimes it was hard to tell which character was which because of how similar some people looked.
Overall, this graphic novel was a quick and educational story with unlikable characters. If you are interested to learn more about George Orwell, then I think you’ll like this book.
June 11, 2026
I received this book as a present, and this was such a nice gift to receive that I want to give this to several people.
If you haven't read a graphic novel since childhood, it might surprise you how grown-up this feels. It's an incredible story with depth and insight, clarifying the historical context and wonderful characters who come to life in a way I haven't experienced before.
It's visually stunning.
The star of the show is obviously Mrs Orwell, Eileen O'shaughnessy, who is finally getting the credit she deserves for making Animal Farm and 1984 happen. Her spirit and intelligence is so vivid that it makes me think that this would make a great movie or TV series.
I read both Animal Farm and 1984 as a Teenager when learning English, and for someone who not only grew up in Germany, but also experienced the tail end of the Soviet Union and the fall of the wall, these two are some of most important books I have ever read.
So much happens in this story! All of it is relevant and gives us the historical context that makes us understand the team 'George Orwell' so much better, especially the inspiration, influence, setting and motivation for the incredibly influential work they created, which is still so helpful and relevant today.
The fact that Eric Blair was such a terrible husband is also a reminder how unfair life was for women of that time, and how necessary it is to keep improving circumstances and opportunities for women. The fact that someone as brilliant as her was this limited by society, whilst also living through such a terrible time in history needs to inspire future generations.
What makes me happiest about this book that Eileen O'Shaughnessy will be remembered and appreciated for the phenomenal, brave, intelligent and creative force that she was.
If you haven't read a graphic novel since childhood, it might surprise you how grown-up this feels. It's an incredible story with depth and insight, clarifying the historical context and wonderful characters who come to life in a way I haven't experienced before.
It's visually stunning.
The star of the show is obviously Mrs Orwell, Eileen O'shaughnessy, who is finally getting the credit she deserves for making Animal Farm and 1984 happen. Her spirit and intelligence is so vivid that it makes me think that this would make a great movie or TV series.
I read both Animal Farm and 1984 as a Teenager when learning English, and for someone who not only grew up in Germany, but also experienced the tail end of the Soviet Union and the fall of the wall, these two are some of most important books I have ever read.
So much happens in this story! All of it is relevant and gives us the historical context that makes us understand the team 'George Orwell' so much better, especially the inspiration, influence, setting and motivation for the incredibly influential work they created, which is still so helpful and relevant today.
The fact that Eric Blair was such a terrible husband is also a reminder how unfair life was for women of that time, and how necessary it is to keep improving circumstances and opportunities for women. The fact that someone as brilliant as her was this limited by society, whilst also living through such a terrible time in history needs to inspire future generations.
What makes me happiest about this book that Eileen O'Shaughnessy will be remembered and appreciated for the phenomenal, brave, intelligent and creative force that she was.
November 16, 2025
For decades, the name George Orwell has been synonymous with the chilling prophecies of totalitarianism, a legacy so vast it has utterly eclipsed the intellectual forces that shaped it. Andrea Chalupa’s graphic novel, Mrs. Orwell, serves as a necessary, sharp corrective, successfully pulling Eileen O’Shaughnessy—the first wife of Eric Blair—out of the footnotes and into the political and literary spotlight where she always belonged. This isn't a biography of a spouse; it's a vital excavation of an extraordinary mind.
Chalupa meticulously positions Eileen not as a long-suffering helpmate, but as a crucial collaborator and a brilliant force in her own right. We track her from her studies under J.R.R. Tolkien at Oxford to her profound political commitment, which included following her husband into the grim realities of the Spanish Civil War. The narrative makes a compelling case that classics like Animal Farm and 1984 owe their incisive edge and, in some instances, core ideas, as much to Eileen's rigorous editing and intellectual contributions as to George Orwell's pen. The book underscores the quiet tragedy of the era: a woman of Eileen’s caliber, fire, and political acuity was historically constrained, often forced to channel her own immense ambition into nurturing the genius of a man.
Brahm Revel’s artwork is the perfect vehicle to paint the visuals. His style is clear and accessible. Revel’s design choices — a mix of shadowed spaces and delicate portraiture — mirror Eileen’s own navigation between public activism and private longing.
It’s a thoughtful and absorbing read, and as the author astutely points out, I’ll now be looking closely for the women who often stand behind any self-styled alpha male.
Chalupa meticulously positions Eileen not as a long-suffering helpmate, but as a crucial collaborator and a brilliant force in her own right. We track her from her studies under J.R.R. Tolkien at Oxford to her profound political commitment, which included following her husband into the grim realities of the Spanish Civil War. The narrative makes a compelling case that classics like Animal Farm and 1984 owe their incisive edge and, in some instances, core ideas, as much to Eileen's rigorous editing and intellectual contributions as to George Orwell's pen. The book underscores the quiet tragedy of the era: a woman of Eileen’s caliber, fire, and political acuity was historically constrained, often forced to channel her own immense ambition into nurturing the genius of a man.
Brahm Revel’s artwork is the perfect vehicle to paint the visuals. His style is clear and accessible. Revel’s design choices — a mix of shadowed spaces and delicate portraiture — mirror Eileen’s own navigation between public activism and private longing.
It’s a thoughtful and absorbing read, and as the author astutely points out, I’ll now be looking closely for the women who often stand behind any self-styled alpha male.
May 13, 2026
Did you know that George Orwell is a pseudonym? His actual name was Eric Blair, and one day he was introduced to Eileen O’Shaughnessy, a brilliant and passionate woman who studied under J.R.R. Tolkien at Oxford. She was a poet in her own right, and after she and Blair were married, they spent their honeymoon fighting fascism in Spain, where Blair was badly wounded in the neck. But Orwell isn’t just Blair’s pseudonym; the author makes the case that “George Orwell” is basically a band name for Eric and Eileen Blair, for without Eileen books such as 1984 and Animal Farm (for which I sewed costumes for my senior year of high school) would not have existed.
My sense from this book is that Eileen truly had the inspiration for these stories, and while Eric Blair penned them, she did the vast majority of the work. It’s a shame she passed away at such a young age. It’s also infuriating how Blair treated Eileen, frequently cheating on her with other women, including her own friends!
It’s obvious that we don’t know much about Eileen Blair because the patriarchy would rather celebrate Orwell and his genius of a man. I find it very interesting (but not surprising) that I am 47 years old, I read both 1984 and Animal Farm in high school, and I’m just now finding out that Orwell is a pseudonym and that Blair’s wife had a major impact on his writing. There are so many women who have been written out of history.
I found the art engaging, but some of the characters and their relationship to Eileen and Eric Blair weren’t immediately obvious. I feel with a graphic biography, some informational text blocks wouldn’t go amiss. I don’t always pick up everything from context.
My sense from this book is that Eileen truly had the inspiration for these stories, and while Eric Blair penned them, she did the vast majority of the work. It’s a shame she passed away at such a young age. It’s also infuriating how Blair treated Eileen, frequently cheating on her with other women, including her own friends!
It’s obvious that we don’t know much about Eileen Blair because the patriarchy would rather celebrate Orwell and his genius of a man. I find it very interesting (but not surprising) that I am 47 years old, I read both 1984 and Animal Farm in high school, and I’m just now finding out that Orwell is a pseudonym and that Blair’s wife had a major impact on his writing. There are so many women who have been written out of history.
I found the art engaging, but some of the characters and their relationship to Eileen and Eric Blair weren’t immediately obvious. I feel with a graphic biography, some informational text blocks wouldn’t go amiss. I don’t always pick up everything from context.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I started this graphic novel with no knowledge of Eileen Blair. Mrs. Orwell is a fantastic deep dive into who Blair was and the impact she had on her husband, George Orwell and his works. This nonfiction graphic novel starts before Eileen meets George, which allows Chalupa to show how smart and successful Eileen was before she was married. Eileen studied literature under Tolkien and then went into psychology, but over the course of the novel readers see just how many things Eileen had her hands in. From fighting fascists in Spain, to shaping many of the ideas and novels that make up Orwell’s works, I loved reading about this magnificent woman. The wonderful and bright illustrations of this story really bring Eileen and her story to life. Through marriage troubles and health issues that eventually kill Eileen far too young, this graphic novel perfectly encapsulates a woman who should be far more well known than she is.
If you are a fan of Orwell, or if you like reading about important women throughout history, this is a fantastic nonfiction graphic novel to pick up. This is a great introduction to Eileen Blair and will most likely make you want to read everything you can about her after!
*e-ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
If you are a fan of Orwell, or if you like reading about important women throughout history, this is a fantastic nonfiction graphic novel to pick up. This is a great introduction to Eileen Blair and will most likely make you want to read everything you can about her after!
*e-ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you haven’t noticed, my reading this past year has involved reading about under-recognized figures (usually women) as well as political biographies and graphic nonfiction books. The graphic novel format of Mrs. Orwell matches the storytelling I enjoyed in the upcoming graphic novel of Animal Farm.
Eileen Blair’s voice adds the women-centered perspective I am constantly searching for. She is, quite frankly, a hidden heroine. I really didn’t get a good feel for her in Wifedom, but here, she shines through. Her involvement and influence in the works of her husband, Eric (penname George Orwell,) are now coming to light. Rightfully, the focus has turned to her brilliant mind.
Eileen was a strong woman blessed with passion for the written word and a keen intelligence that had bad taste in men. Eric Blair was a philanderer who didn’t deserve her. She was crucial to his writings, fighting fascism with words.
The illustrations are beautiful and really pull you into the narrative. The writing is sharp, too, making for a gripping tale of a woman behind the man who, of course, was a better person than the heralded man.
If you haven’t noticed, my reading this past year has involved reading about under-recognized figures (usually women) as well as political biographies and graphic nonfiction books. The graphic novel format of Mrs. Orwell matches the storytelling I enjoyed in the upcoming graphic novel of Animal Farm.
Eileen Blair’s voice adds the women-centered perspective I am constantly searching for. She is, quite frankly, a hidden heroine. I really didn’t get a good feel for her in Wifedom, but here, she shines through. Her involvement and influence in the works of her husband, Eric (penname George Orwell,) are now coming to light. Rightfully, the focus has turned to her brilliant mind.
Eileen was a strong woman blessed with passion for the written word and a keen intelligence that had bad taste in men. Eric Blair was a philanderer who didn’t deserve her. She was crucial to his writings, fighting fascism with words.
The illustrations are beautiful and really pull you into the narrative. The writing is sharp, too, making for a gripping tale of a woman behind the man who, of course, was a better person than the heralded man.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's frustrating that it is barely surprising to find another "great man" who was kind of a jerk. This graphic novel shifts focus from George Orwell (real name Eric Blair) to his wife Eileen O'Shaughnessy Blair. She studied literature at Oxford under Tolkien (one of the first women to do so), ran a typing firm, and was a Master's student and poet in her own right. When she met Eric Blair at a party, the two grew very close very quickly. To the chagrin of Eileen's more conventional family, she falls for Eric and all his volatility. Even when his own family comes to warn her that he has declared his love for many other women, Eileen agrees to marry him. Shortly later the two travel to Spain to fight the rise of fascism where Eric is injured and the two narrowly escape back to safety in England.
This biography of a little known woman, this book follows Eileen through her adult life showing her strong influence on the works of George Orwell (even working as his uncredited editor). This book also underscores the stories of many women who go from brilliant feminists and wives to homemakers destined to support their 'brilliant' husbands.
Fascinating and a little bit infuriating.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book.
This biography of a little known woman, this book follows Eileen through her adult life showing her strong influence on the works of George Orwell (even working as his uncredited editor). This book also underscores the stories of many women who go from brilliant feminists and wives to homemakers destined to support their 'brilliant' husbands.
Fascinating and a little bit infuriating.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This historical graphic novel is a difficult one to rate and review. What I loved: feminism, anti-fascism, striking art, backstory on Eileen O’Shaughnessy (and Eric Blair, although I was more interested in Eileen), and a look into the writing process of some of the most topical classics. I did not know about much of Eileen’s and Eric’s lives that were cut too short, and their brilliance was matched by their flaws. (Of course, one’s flaws were greater than the other’s…) What I wished was clearer: the whole Spain section. I feel like that part, which is a large section of the book, was confusing if you do not have more background on everything already. By everything, I mean both the historical context AND the personal context of the lives of Eileen, Eric, and everyone else. Overall, I enjoyed this graphic novel and now would have to invite Eileen O’Shaughnessy Blair to sit next to Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald at a dream dinner party so I could get the full truth of their written collaborations with their respective husbands. I will definitely be going down a rabbit hole about the “Orwells” today. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Animal Farm and 1984 have always ranked high on my list of best books. Years after having read them and reading many, many other books over the years, I can still quote the final lines of both books. That being said, I honestly knew very little about his personal life. The title "Mrs. Orwell" immediately piqued my interest to learn more about the backstory of George Orwell as well as the significant role his partner played.
Eileen O’Shaughnessy Blair emerges from these pages as anything but a footnote. She was passionate, fiercely intelligent, and unapologetically articulate—a woman who refused to be shaped by the narrow expectations of her time. She spoke her mind in spaces that preferred her silence, studied under Professor Tolkien, and challenged him without hesitation. Hers was a voice that would not be quieted.
While their lives and relationship were turbulent this book begins to right the wrong of her relatively unknown status when she played a huge part in her husband's work and in her own right.
If you, like me, would like to know more about the life and times of Eileen O'Shaughnessy Blair, this book is an excellent place to start.
Eileen O’Shaughnessy Blair emerges from these pages as anything but a footnote. She was passionate, fiercely intelligent, and unapologetically articulate—a woman who refused to be shaped by the narrow expectations of her time. She spoke her mind in spaces that preferred her silence, studied under Professor Tolkien, and challenged him without hesitation. Hers was a voice that would not be quieted.
While their lives and relationship were turbulent this book begins to right the wrong of her relatively unknown status when she played a huge part in her husband's work and in her own right.
If you, like me, would like to know more about the life and times of Eileen O'Shaughnessy Blair, this book is an excellent place to start.
October 31, 2025
This is the story of Eileen, 1/2 of the pseudonym known as George Orwell. George Orwell gifted the world with novels such as Animal Farm and 1984. Books that we see repeating history as we live at now. But without his wife Eileen, these books may never have come about or been the classics they are today. Eileen was a writter herself, a free spirited woman who edited, who studied under Tolkien, who worked for War and Information Department. Without her our literature landscape may be different. This graphic novel, while a work fiction, is an idea of Eileen‘s life. Of her love story that has never seen the pages. This was brilliantly written and illustrated. It brought the 20s and 30s to life. A reader could feel the harshness of war and bombs and everything that goes inside. This is not a book with a happy ending, but a real one for a real person. And a great fictionalized look at a real person who really counted.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fast-paced and emotional graphic novel that truly introduced me to the two people behind the pseudonym George Orwell, especially to Eileen O'Shaughnessy (the focus of the book), who I'd shamefully never heard of until this book. Not merely the wife of Eric Blair (Orwell), she was a writer and thinker in her own right who deeply and intrinsically shaped his work and writing, so it really is impossible to read Orwell without reading Eileen.
I also feel like the graphic novel did a good job at capturing the emotional complexity of their life and marriage, how the book refrained from idealising anyone but also highlighting why these historical literary figures still exist prominently in the literary canon/public conscience (especially in the context of the interwar period and WWII). Would recommend this to anyone interested in literary history especially around this era.
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books 23rd St for the ARC.
I also feel like the graphic novel did a good job at capturing the emotional complexity of their life and marriage, how the book refrained from idealising anyone but also highlighting why these historical literary figures still exist prominently in the literary canon/public conscience (especially in the context of the interwar period and WWII). Would recommend this to anyone interested in literary history especially around this era.
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books 23rd St for the ARC.
October 15, 2025
This graphic novel does a great job of diving into the history of a woman who has ultimately been overshadowed by her husband in history. This novel introduces us to Ms. O'Shaughnessy, a budding literature student turned child psychologist, who helped support her husband's career and acted as an activist herself. The flow and illustrations of the novel make her story easy to follow but allow the reader to feel her emotions and her efforts in her life beside Mr. Blair. Her life was not perfect, and neither was her husband, but she stayed true to her values and the idea that you should do something if you see an injustice in the world, even if what you are able to do may seem small. I was given the chance to read this book through NetGalley and I hope it finds others who enjoy learning about this important yet overlooked part of history.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for my Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
I will admit that I am not an Orwellian scholar. I have, of course, read 1984 and Animal Farm, and have had discussions in both academic and intimate settings about the works. I have read both of the recent graphic novels versions of these books, and I enjoyed them, although there is something lost in the graphic translations of these works.
But now I am doing exactly what everyone has always done. I am talking about Orwell like he did it all on his own and the brilliance of books is a credit to him and only him. I am so glad I now know better. Eileen O’Shaughnessy, his first wife, deserves to be taught right alongside Orwell. Not just because I believe that her brilliance surpassed his, but because I also believe these works would not have been published and read without her being in his life. 4.5 stars.
I will admit that I am not an Orwellian scholar. I have, of course, read 1984 and Animal Farm, and have had discussions in both academic and intimate settings about the works. I have read both of the recent graphic novels versions of these books, and I enjoyed them, although there is something lost in the graphic translations of these works.
But now I am doing exactly what everyone has always done. I am talking about Orwell like he did it all on his own and the brilliance of books is a credit to him and only him. I am so glad I now know better. Eileen O’Shaughnessy, his first wife, deserves to be taught right alongside Orwell. Not just because I believe that her brilliance surpassed his, but because I also believe these works would not have been published and read without her being in his life. 4.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.
Like many others, I had never read much of anything about Eileen Blair, wife/editor/partner of George Orwell and I'm so glad I now have. I loved the art style for this book, it captured a lot of the urgency that we see in the text that accompanies it. Like with many classic male authors, I found myself pretty generally not loving George as a person by the end - shocker. Ms. Chalupa's bringing forward Eileen's invisible labor, particularly her and Orwell's involvement in the Spanish Civil War, was remarkable to me.
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review - thank you, NetGalley!
Like many others, I had never read much of anything about Eileen Blair, wife/editor/partner of George Orwell and I'm so glad I now have. I loved the art style for this book, it captured a lot of the urgency that we see in the text that accompanies it. Like with many classic male authors, I found myself pretty generally not loving George as a person by the end - shocker. Ms. Chalupa's bringing forward Eileen's invisible labor, particularly her and Orwell's involvement in the Spanish Civil War, was remarkable to me.
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review - thank you, NetGalley!
October 5, 2025
Wonderful. An amazing work of historical fiction following the wife fo George Orwell.
Eileen is quite the character. She's a strong willed woman who does what she wants. She's incredibly political and very vocal about it. She studied under Tolkien at university and made her husband's work into the time transcending pieces they are today. She was strong. She was a fighter. She did what she felt was right. She was amazing, and she died in a way that almost feels too simple for how big of a woman she was.
Amazing. I'm so glad I got the chance to read this.
(I received a free copy for review)
Eileen is quite the character. She's a strong willed woman who does what she wants. She's incredibly political and very vocal about it. She studied under Tolkien at university and made her husband's work into the time transcending pieces they are today. She was strong. She was a fighter. She did what she felt was right. She was amazing, and she died in a way that almost feels too simple for how big of a woman she was.
Amazing. I'm so glad I got the chance to read this.
(I received a free copy for review)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a good read. It was very sad over all. The art gave a dark sense to the whole book. The coloring depressed me as I read the story. Overall, I think the impression they wanted to give was that Mrs. Orwell wanted to be woman’s woman. She was unorthodox and lived a very unorthodox life. I got the impression that she was only ever happy and passionate if literature was involved. It was fast paced, which makes sense since it’s a quick autobiographical story. It was nice to read her side as the wife of the author of such renowned works.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to First Second Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC! This was a really unique read. I really enjoyed learning about the perspective of Eileen and what life was like for her. I feel like I learned so much and I think this was also a eye opener for the thought process behind two very famous novels, both of which I really enjoy. I felt the story moved along at a nice pace and I really enjoyed the images as well. Overall, this is something I would recommend to any reader who enjoys literature, history, and a well told graphic novel.
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