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Decline of the English Murder
Decline of the English Murder
Aug 18, 2025 12:18 AM

Author:George Orwell

Decline of the English Murder

In these timeless and witty essays George Orwell explores the English love of reading about a good murder in the papers (and laments the passing of the heyday of the 'perfect' murder involving class, sex and poisoning), as well as unfolding his trenchant views on everything from boys' weeklies to naughty seaside postcards.

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.

Reviews

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The novel makes no pretence of providing unambiguous answers, but takes us on a beguiling, questing journey

—— Nick Rennison , Sunday Times

Murray Bail marshals the tensions between his characters and their ideas to great effect

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A gratifyingly dry wit pervades this novel of ideas

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Truly gripping

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A neat piece of storytelling

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It is expertly written in its way, and oddly compelling - like a slushy movie you can't help but respond to

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Moving and thoughtful ... Poignant and compelling, this lyrical novel lifts the veil on an internal world of love, rivalry and misunderstanding; an intricate depiction of sibling relationships

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A beautifully evocative and intelligent novel

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This impassioned tale is a gripping read

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Jones is fabulous...offering titbits of danger and discord, yet keeping a cool matter-of-fact tone for the big horrors

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Full of danger and discord

—— Sunday Times Summer Reading
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