Books Like...
'Shooting an Elephant' by George Orwell is a collection of essays that delve into various themes such as imperialism, colonialism, war, injustice, and racism. Through his storytelling style, Orwell provides a profound exploration of these complex topics. The book includes essays like 'Shooting an Elephant,' 'A Hanging,' 'Marrakech,' and 'The Clink,' which are considered classics and are highly recommended for their depth and commentary on societal issues.
If you liked Shooting an Elephant, here are the top 49 books to read next:
- #1
Save:First published in 1931 by The Adelphi, this essay describes the execution of a criminal during Orwell's time in Burma.
Britain ruled over Burma for 62 years (1824-86), during which three Anglo-Burmese Wars were fought and Britain incorporated it in
... - #2
Save:George Orwell's 'Essays' is a comprehensive collection spanning his career, showcasing his ability to examine life, politics, and society with clarity and logic. The essays reflect Orwell's fear of totalitarianism, disappointment with English socialists, and his direct writing style that continues to provoke clear thought and debate. Despite some essays being considered outdated, classics like 'A Hanging' and 'Shooting an Elephant' still resonate with readers, showcasing Orwell's mastery in non-fiction writing.
From a very early age, perhaps the age of five or six, I knew that when I grew up I should be a writer. Between the ages of about seventeen and twenty-four I tried to abandon this idea, but I did so w... - #3
Save:Readers describe "Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell as a short and essential read for any writer, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and avoiding cliched language. The book delves into Orwell's vision of language and politics, providing insights on how politicians manipulate language to deceive the public. Orwell's writing style is noted to be clear and insightful, with observations from the past that remain relevant in today's world, particularly in relation to propaganda and totalitarianism.
Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it. Our civilizati... - #4
Save:'Burmese Days' by George Orwell is a novel set in Burma during the British colonial era, portraying the interactions and dynamics within the community under colonial rule. Orwell explores the impact of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized, highlighting the prejudice, cruelty, and power dynamics prevalent in the society. The plot revolves around the protagonist Flory, who struggles with his own morals and values amidst the oppressive colonial environment, leading to a tragic and thought-provoking narrative. Orwell's writing style depicts the harsh realities of British colonial life in Burma, showcasing the complexities of relationships, power struggles, and societal norms during that period.
U Po Kyin, Sub-divisional Magistrate of Kyauktada, in Upper Burma, was sitting in his veranda. It was only half-past eight, but the month was April, and there was a closeness in the air, a threat of t... - #5
Save:John Jeremiah Sullivan's 'Pulphead' is an eclectic collection of essays that engage readers with a mix of personal experiences and insightful observations on various subjects such as music, pop culture, historical figures, and peculiar events. Sullivan's writing style combines humor, empathy, and a deep curiosity that allows him to bring to life even the most mundane topics like Christian rock festivals or forgotten explorers in a captivating manner. The book showcases Sullivan's ability to make seemingly uninteresting subjects intriguing through his engaging storytelling and personal involvement in each essay.
It is wrong to boast, but in the beginning, my plan was perfect. I was assigned to cover the Cross-Over Festival in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, three days of the top Christian bands and their backer... - #6
Save:Anna Funder's book 'Wifedom' delves into the life of Eileen Blair, wife of George Orwell, shedding light on her often overlooked contributions and struggles. Through meticulous research and a compassionate narrative, Funder brings Eileen to life, showcasing her intelligence, resilience, and impact on Orwell's work. The book not only explores the complexities of their marriage but also provides a deeper understanding of Orwell as a person, highlighting his flaws and blind spots.
Funder's writing style is praised for its sensitivity and depth, as she weaves together Eileen's story with insights into the patriarchy of the time and the challenges faced by women like her. The book is described as a captivating read that evokes a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman who has long been overshadowed in Orwell's shadow.
- #7
Save:The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell is a compelling exploration of the working and unemployed classes in industrial towns of northern England in the 1930s. Orwell vividly describes the grim living and working conditions of coal miners, shedding light on poverty and hardship reminiscent of Dickensian times. The book seamlessly transitions into a discussion on socialism, where Orwell argues for its importance in alleviating societal issues rooted in industrialization and machine civilization, while reflecting on his own upbringing and class prejudice.
There were generally four of us in the bedroom, and a beastly place it was, with that defiled impermanent look of rooms that are not serving their rightful purpose. Years earlier the house had been an... - An old photograph in a cheap frame hangs on a wall of the room where I work. It’s a picture dating from 1946 of a house into which, at the time of its taking, I had not yet been born. The house is rat...
In Imaginary Homelands , Salman Rushdie presents ten years' worth of concentrated thought on topics from the most cherished literary traditions and authors of India, Europe, and America to the politics of oppression, the joy of film and television,
... - #9
Save:'United States: Essays 1952-1992' by Gore Vidal is a collection of essays that cover a wide range of topics including American writing, politics, and societal issues. Vidal's writing style is described as sharp, cutting, and filled with caustic humor and intelligence. The essays provide a unique perspective on historical events, literature, and politics, offering readers a glimpse into Vidal's world-weary despair at the direction the U.S. has taken both domestically and internationally. is divided into three sections focusing on the state of American writing, politics, and being, showcasing Vidal's immense knowledge and intelligence in these areas.
- #10
Save:The White Album by Joan Didion is a collection of essays that reflect on America in the 1970s, focusing on various topics such as water distribution in California, the Governor's Residence, migraine headaches, California Republic, and the late 1960s and early 1970s. Didion's writing style is described as magnificent, well-constructed, sardonic, incisive, precise, and world-weary, with vivid imagery and razor-sharp insight. The essays cover a wide range of subjects, from California to Hawaii, artist's lives to civil unrest, capturing snapshots of the era with a slightly aloof yet captivating style.
we tell ourselves stories in order to live. The princess is caged in the consulate. The man with the candy will lead the children into the sea. The naked woman on the ledge outside the window on the s...
