Orwell starts this book with a view into the everyday lives of coal miners in the north of England. He describes their living conditions, diets, habits, and opinions. Then abruptly he breaks with his sociological essay and dives into the merits of Socialism and critiques their attempts to win wider political support. Throughout he offers a fascinating look at 1930s England and the politics of the day.

Unfortunately much of what Orwell predicted for the future panned out in the few years after the book was published. And even more unfortunately his voice gains new relevancy in light of the recent American election.

A worthwhile read ultimately, but not a book I will pick up again.