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A review by dngoldman
New Grub Street by George Gissing
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
4.5
"New Grub Street" by George Gissing is a novel that explores the challenges of work life and the impact of economic conditions on literary production. Gissing wrote the book in just two months during the autumn of 1890, producing nearly 4,000 words per day - the same pace as the character Reardon in the story. The novel is divided into three volumes, with some critics suggesting that the second volume is a bit too long.
"New Grub Street" can be considered a meta-novel, as it fictionalizes its own creation and the experiences of its author. It provides a poignant commentary on how the economics of writing can lead to a race to the bottom, impacting the craft of writing. It is also a realistic portrayal of the widespread impact of poverty. Unlike Dickens, Gissing does not take a moralistic approach, portraying characters as products of their economic struggles rather than individuals who can rise above them.
Overall, "New Grub Street" is a novel that deserves more recognition and attention.
"New Grub Street" can be considered a meta-novel, as it fictionalizes its own creation and the experiences of its author. It provides a poignant commentary on how the economics of writing can lead to a race to the bottom, impacting the craft of writing. It is also a realistic portrayal of the widespread impact of poverty. Unlike Dickens, Gissing does not take a moralistic approach, portraying characters as products of their economic struggles rather than individuals who can rise above them.
Overall, "New Grub Street" is a novel that deserves more recognition and attention.