Young Iraqis in Najaf discuss George Orwell’s ‘The Road to Wigan Pier’ at weekly book club

NAJAF— A group of young men and women gathered at the Mowja Organization Hall in Najaf for a session organized by the Al-Hawish Reading Club to discuss British author George Orwell’s “The Road to Wigan Pier,” first published in 1937. The book, which blends social commentary and personal experience, explores the living conditions of the working class in northern England between the two world wars.

“The book goes beyond politics and economics, raising questions about human dignity and justice, and how to improve people’s lives,” said Kholoud Amer, founder of the Al-Hawish Club, in an interview with 964media. “These themes remain relevant because they address the core of human nature, not just specific historical contexts.”

The discussion highlighted the timelessness of Orwell’s work, with participants noting its capacity to influence debates on social and economic justice across eras. “The book offers a deep social investigation into the life of the working class in northern England during the interwar period, focusing on the dire conditions of coal miners living in extreme poverty. Orwell sheds light on the harsh realities of daily life and the social and economic barriers they face,” said Ali Aziz, one of the attendees.

The first part of “The Road to Wigan Pier” details Orwell’s journey to industrial areas like Wigan and Sheffield, where he lived among the workers, experiencing voluntary homelessness to document their struggles. The book stands as a comprehensive study of poverty, class, and inequality, making it a significant work on these subjects in modern English literature.

The second part of the book shifts into a personal essay where Orwell critiques the socialist movement of his time. He reflects on his discomfort as a middle-class intellectual writing about the working class and questions why socialism, despite its ideals, had not gained widespread support in Britain. This section, often considered controversial, presents Orwell’s critique of both the political left and right, as well as his reflections on class prejudice.

Participants emphasized the significance of the book in addressing ongoing social and economic issues, pointing out its relevance for understanding the challenges faced by Iraqi society today. “The Road to Wigan Pier,” they noted, is a call for serious reflection on building a more just and humane society, mirroring the aspirations of Najaf’s youth, who seek to tackle their issues through literature and intellectual discourse.

George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair in 1903, was a British novelist, essayist, and critic known for his sharp critiques of social injustice, totalitarianism, and class inequality. His most famous works include “Animal Farm” (1945) and “1984” (1949), which have become literary staples for their criticisms of oppressive political systems. “The Road to Wigan Pier,” an earlier work, documents Orwell’s experience living among the working class in northern England, highlighting the harsh realities of poverty and industrial labor. The book combines investigative journalism with Orwell’s reflections on class and socialism, making it a big contribution to discussions on social justice and economic inequality.

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