ASPIDISTRA STANDARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 4 (Supplement)

ASPIDISTRA STANDARD

A POET WITH PRINCIPLES A good novel has its way with the reader. Perhaps its effect is only temporary —that rests as much with the reader as with the author—but certain it is that any book of standing will push back the horizon of the reader's experience and possibly place a whole continent before his feet. Which, of course, is why it is said that reading is an escape from life. In tho good old days it was all pleasant sailing, but within recent years more and more authors have found their inspiration in realism. There is no longer any certainty that the journey will be pleasant, although assurance is given that the experience will be true to life. _ The world that George Orwell depicts is seldom attractive. His country lies not in the imagination but within his own experience. His reputation began with the publication of his first book, " Down and Out in London and Paris," and his subsequent writing has shown him to have plenty of talent. " Keep the Aspidistra Flying," his latest book, swings along with never a hitch. His hero, a poet and member of good middle class family, has a violent antipathy for money anil comfort, for which reason he throws up a good publicity job, for which he has a flair, and lives on the £2 a week which he receives for attending to the wants of a twopenny library. Mr. Orwell speaks plainly, yet surely only the prude could take exception. His poet is an interesting type,. less uncommon than may be supposed, and seen through this author's eyes he is understandable. " Keep the Aspidistra Flying," by George Orwell. (Gollnncz.)