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Title:	Wifedom
Authors:	Funder, Anna
Genre:	Non Fiction
Pages:	464
Year:	2023
Language:	English
Description:	When Eileen O'Shaughnessy married Eric Blair in 1936, little did she realise the vital role she would play in influencing her husband's literary legacy and the political truths he would extoll while writing as George Orwell. Incorporating Eileen's actual letters to her best friend, and with a daring blend of memoir, literary detective work and the fictional reconstruction of the Orwell's marriage, this is the brilliant and captivating story of a forgotten wife of a famous man, restored and acknowledged. Comments from BDS Reviewers: "Wifedom is SO VERY, VERY, good that I have bought myself a copy, and one for a friend as well." "An extraordinary book. I think Funder has written a masterpiece." "The author's skill in melding facts, biography and fiction is excellent." "All groups would find much to discuss about the author's portrait of Eileen, and the male/female balance in marriage then and now." "I think this is an important book to be enjoyed by many groups." "This book will probably come as a shock to fans of Orwell. It did to me. I rate the book highly." "This is such a great book for discussion!"
Categories:	Fiction, Biography, War theme, Faction, Feminism, Gender Issues, Literature oriented, England, UK, 2025 Titles

Reviews

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By: AUCK 285		2025-06-11 10:27:23

We didn't all finish the book but were fascinated by it. The mix of fictionalised history and the writer's parallel issues, a different take on the adulation that George Orwell has, and uncovering the tragic, unrecognised life that his wife Eileen O' Shaughnessy had - putting all her efforts into supporting George's Orwell's writing and diminishing her own actions. Important for themes that resonate still in the lives of women today. But an overly long, highly detailed book - could have been much shorter as the point was made (over and over again).

By: TAUP 004		2025-05-07 11:35:49

Well liked and respected for the journey Eileen suffered, and for Anne Funder's astonishing research.

By: WELL 008		2025-04-03 11:38:06

Overall a positive response. The beginning was off putting for several readers. We enjoyed the scholarship of the author, and were very surprised at how unsympathetic ( narcissistic) Orwell was. A lot of animated discussion about his wife's role and acceptance of his self centred behaviour.

By: AUCK 038		2025-02-26 14:02:57

Not sure how to score this one - half the group loved it and the other half couldn't get into it at all!

By: AUCK 027		2025-02-26 11:47:02

Excellent book - very complicated and well-written. Brilliantly researched and well linked together. Huge insights into male/female relationships.