Cigarettes delves into the issue of why some people don’t read. Takeaway 3 – The elite have a hierarchyīooks v Cigarettes summary Takeaway 1 – Books aren’t that expensive.Takeaway 2 – Conditions in poverty are horrendous.Takeaway 1 – Books aren’t that expensive.If you’ve already read some of Orwell’s books, this one is a great one to read and broaden your knowledge of his writing. If you’re new to Orwell, this is a great book to start with. He’s not afraid to discuss difficult topics and his honesty and forthrightness on issues such as the conditions of the poor and the reality of privilege are ones we should continue to discuss today.

His essays are easy to read and convey their points with maximum efficiency. He is one of, if not the, finest writers of the English language for a reason. This is one of the best George Orwell books despite being one of the least-known. While Orwell’s take on his time in a Paris hospital with numerous poor people in squalid conditions is alarming. Cigarettes essay is a great look at one of the most common reasons people give for not reading and is one we should all consider. It may not sound like an exciting read, but Orwell has a way of turning topics which seem mundane into interesting essays. The titular essay is an interesting look at why people don’t read, while the others range from Orwell’s time working in a bookshop to his childhood at a boarding school.Īll of them present a fascinating insight into different aspects of society in the early 20th century. Cigarettes is one of many essays by the English writer George Orwell, in this short book.

George orwell books vs cigarettes