Such, Such Were the Joys: A Graphic Novel

by Sean Michael Wilson (Adapter), Jaime Huxtable (Illustrator), George Orwell

One of the most famous writers of all time, George Orwell's life played a huge part in his understanding of the world. A constant critic of power and authority, the roots of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four began to grow in his formative years as a pupil at a strict private school in Eastbourne. His essay "Such, Such Were the Joys" recounts the ugly realities of the regime to which pupils were subjected in the name of class prejudice, hierarchy and imperial destiny.

This graphic novel vividly brings his experiences at school to life. As Orwell earned his place through scholarship rather than wealth, he was picked on by both staff and richer students. The violence of his teachers and the shame he experienced on a daily basis leap from the pages, conjuring up how this harsh world looked through a child's innocent eyes while juxtaposing the mature Orwell's ruminations on what such schooling says about society.

Today, as the private school and class system endure, this is a vivid reminder that the world Orwell sought to change is still with us.

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2021

About the author

Sean Michael Wilson is a comic book writer from Scotland. He has had around 30 books published with a variety of US, UK and Japanese publishers, including: a comic book version of A Christmas Carol ('Best of 2008’, Sunday Times), AX:alternative manga ( 'Best ten books of 2010’, Publishers Weekly), Parecomic (with an introduction by Noam Chomsky, his first contribution to a book in graphic form). He is currently writing books for big Japanese publisher Kodansha, being the only British writer to do so. In fact, he is the only pro manga writer from Britain who lives in Japan. He is also the editor of the critically acclaimed collection 'AX:alternative manga' (Publishers Weekly's 'Best ten books of 2010' and nominated for a Harvey award).

Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2017 he became the first British person to receive an International Manga Award from the Japanese Government. In 2019 his book 'The Many Not the Few' was launched by the Labour Party leader in an event in the Houses of Parliament. In 2020 he received the Scottish Samurai Award from an association promoting connections between Japan and Scotland.

He does comic books outside the normal superhero/fantasy brands, going into areas such as history, biography, drama, and social issues, often in collaboration with universities, charities and book publishers. He often gives lectures and talks about comics in schools and colleges, and writes articles for such places as The Japan Times, The London Economic and The Herald Scotland.

Reviews

[Chris Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book! I think the essay itself is great and is one of my favourite Orwell essays. The graphic novel format adds something new and exciting. Brilliant illustrations and text - brings out the horror and the humour that Orwell’s writing conveys. The characterisation of the people through pictures is remarkable and brought it all even more vividly to life for me.
I had the pleasure of hearing Sean Michael Wilson and Jaime Huxtable talk about this book on a Zoom meeting of the Orwell Society last year.
Really pleased to have now read the book in full.

[Rita Laranjeira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um livro sobre um jovem adolescente que vai estudar num colégio interno.
Um livro sobre as aventuras, mas sobretudo sobre as desventuras, de um jovem.
Um livro sobre experiências (boas e más) que marcam a adolescência e a formação de um jovem.
Um livro sobre dificuldades, favorecimentos, hierarquias.

Esta história é autobiográfica e relata a experiência do autor na escola, neste caso no colégio interno, onde estudou.
A história reflete o tipo de educação que era dado e as metodologias utilizadas de acordo com os objetivos a alcançar e o futuro que os adolescentes pretendem ou vão ter.
Gostei muito da história! Ter contacto com relatos de como eram os métodos tradicionais de ensino continua a deixar-me desconfortável.

[Andrei Malic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable and inspiring illustrated adaptation of George Orwell’s short novel about his boarding school days and a must read not just for Orwell fans. The dialogue stays true to the original novel, however what is very impressive is the detailed illustrations that enliven the visualisation of Orwell’s novel and take you into the heart of Orwell’s boarding school experience. The illustrations capture the times complementing the dialogue and enhances Orwell’s original story making it an enjoyable and invigorating read. I highly recommend this graphic novel and hope the authors go onto adapt more of Orwell’s books

[M.J. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again graphic novels show how they can do justice to classic literature, yet add something and bring in a new audience. This book brings out various aspects of Orwell's original autobiographical essay in ways that i didnt think about before. Lovely illustrations,in a kind of soft graytone that suits the era and subject.
Glad to see that Pluto Press are at last bringing out some good graphic novels.

[Andrei Malic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable and inspiring illustrated adaptation of George Orwell’s short novel about his boarding school days and a must read not just for Orwell fans. The dialogue stays true to the original novel however what is very impressive is the detailed illustrations that enliven the visualisation of Orwell’s novel and take you into the heart of Orwell’s boarding school experience. The illustrations capture the times complementing the dialogue and enhances Orwell’s original story making it an enjoyable and invigorating read. I highly recommend this graphic novel and hope the authors go onto adapt more of Orwell’s books

[Ken French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent adaptation of one of my favorite Orwell essays.

[Emma J. Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well done. It takes me back to a time where I never existed, but can most certainly relate to, as Orwell makes abundantly clear. The writing and illustrations were both fantastic.

[Marc-Antoine Serou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me want to read the real book.

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Orwell's famous essay on his childhood days in a private school, brought out in graphic novel form. Easy to see the influences Orwell's private school had on his anti-elitist and anti-class views.