Eileen: The Making of George Orwell

The book "Eileen: The Life and Death of George Orwell's First Wife" is a biography of George Orwell's first wife, Eileen, who shaped his life and art in ways that have never been acknowledged by history. It offers a new perspective on Orwell and tells the life story of an exceptional woman who has been unjustly overlooked.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 496 pages
\n Publication date: 04 March 2021
\n Publisher: Unbound
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The captivating and inspiring biography of George Orwell's first wife, Eileen, delves into the untold story of a woman who played a pivotal role in shaping, supporting, and even saving the life of one of the twentieth century's greatest writers. In 1934, Eileen O'Shaughnessy's futuristic poem, "End of the Century, 1984," was published, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would lead her to meet George Orwell, then known as Eric Blair, at a party. Orwell was immediately captivated by Eileen's charm and intelligence, remarking that night, "Now that is the kind of girl I would like to marry!"

Years later, Orwell would honor Eileen's memory by naming his greatest work, "Nineteen Eighty-Four," in her tribute. This remarkable biography, meticulously researched and illustrated with photos and images from the era, offers a fresh perspective on Orwell himself, shedding light on his life and artistic endeavors in ways that have been overlooked by history until now.

Spanning nine years of their marriage, Eileen provides a firsthand account of the Blairs' journey, from their humble beginnings in a tiny village where they tended goats and chickens to the tumultuous times of the Spanish Civil War and the devastating German bombing raid that nearly destroyed their London flat. Through their experiences, Eileen paints a vivid picture of bohemianism, political engagement, and sexual freedom in the 1930s and 40s, a period of immense cultural and social transformation.

What sets this biography apart is its impressive depth of research, which brings Eileen's story to life with rich detail and historical context. The author has uncovered previously unpublished letters, diaries, and personal accounts, providing a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Eileen's life and contributions to Orwell's artistic journey.

Eileen's life story is not just a tale of personal triumph and adversity; it is also a testament to the power of love and companionship. Despite the challenges they faced, Eileen and George remained steadfast in their commitment to each other, supporting each other's dreams and aspirations. Eileen's unwavering support and encouragement played a crucial role in Orwell's success as a writer, and their shared experiences shaped his literary vision in profound ways.

In conclusion, "Eileen: The Life and Times of George Orwell's First Wife" is a captivating and inspiring biography that offers a fresh perspective on the life and work of George Orwell. Through Eileen's story, we gain a deeper understanding of Orwell's character, his artistic inspirations, and the remarkable woman who stood by his side throughout their nine-year marriage. This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, and the power of love and companionship.

\n Weight: 452g\n
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 40 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781800180260\n \n