Homage to Catalonia

Homage to Catalonia is George Orwell’s memoir recounting his experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War. Orwell is clear-headed and perceptive throughout, and demonstrates a deep understanding of what the Soviet Union really represented — and why those who oppose totalitarianism in all its forms should never have supported the Soviet cause. In this way, the book is an early and prophetic left-wing critique of Soviet authoritarianism. And Orwell’s writing has improved considerably since his earlier books; his narrative has several outstanding descriptive passages on the conflict, all the while maintaining his own intellectual honesty and questioning his own views.