A Clergyman's Daughter

This novel follows a young woman's journey from a small East Anglian town to London and back, exploring themes of loss, identity, and societal expectations in a unique narrative style. A Clergyman's Daughter offers a poignant reflection on personal and social struggles.

A Clergyman's Daughter, one of George Orwell's most experimental novels, follows the journey of Dorothy Hare, a young woman from the fictional town of Knype Hill in East Anglia. The story explores her life as the daughter of the local rector, overshadowed by her father's absent-mindedness and the gossip of his parishioners. Dorothy's life takes a dramatic turn when she finds herself in London, her memory temporarily lost, thrust into a world that is both unfamiliar and challenging.

Throughout her travels, Dorothy experiences a series of events that highlight her struggles and resilience. From working under the strict authority of Mrs. Creevy, a demanding schoolteacher, to spending a night in the bustling Trafalgar Square, her journey reflects themes of loss and the quest for identity. Ultimately, the narrative circles back to her origins, examining the complexities of returning home after facing the harsh realities of life beyond her small town.

In the introduction by Nathan Waddell, the novel's fantastical elements and socio-political commentary are explored, revealing the influences of modernist literature, particularly James Joyce's Ulysses, which Orwell greatly admired. This new edition, the first in over 30 years, aims to shed light on a lesser-known work that encapsulates Orwell's keen observations of society and human nature, making it a significant addition to the Oxford World's Classics series.