This is George Orwell, author of Animal Farm and 1984. There were some well-reasoned political thoughts regarding poverty. The book was published in 1933, which means the stories related must have happened during the Great Depression. There was a whole lot of poverty to ponder at the time. A lot of people were beginning to think "whatever we've been doing, we should stop and do the opposite." There was evidently a lot wrong with the world, in many people's eyes.

So, Orwell took the opportunity to propose some new activities for homeless people. And he talked about the prejudice held in the hearts of most comfortably situated folks. He would have us realize that tramps are people, too.

This book was set about 70 years ago. When I picked it up, I wasn't sure I would like it. I was utterly amazed by it. I don't think I'll forget it. Of course, I couldn't help comparing it to Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. I admit, I've only read portions of that book, but I know that it is hugely popular, even spawning a musical of itself.

I feel like Orwell happened upon his down-and-outness a little more honestly than Ehrenreich. She meant it to be an investigative journalistic experience, but Orwell just found himself poor and kept his eyes open to the experience. He was not ashamed of his life experiences. He published them and gave all of us a gift in the form of this book.

As a final word, I'd suggest that those interested experience the audio-book version as I did. Frederick Davidson did an excellent reading of the many, many accents of the characters in the book and made them vibrant.