'Charles Reade' (1940) by George Orwell

'George Orwell: Charles Reade’ was first published in the 'New Statesman and Nation' magazine in August 1940.

George Orwell reflects on the Victorian novelist Charles Reade, exploring his literary style and the reasons for his relative obscurity by the 20th century. Orwell describes Reade as an energetic writer, known for his vivid storytelling and detailed depiction of social issues, but he also criticizes Reade for his melodramatic tendencies and lack of deep character development.

Orwell acknowledges Reade's ability to create engaging narratives and his skill in addressing topics like prison conditions and social injustices, as seen in works like It Is Never Too Late to Mend. However, Orwell notes that Reade's emphasis on plot over character depth made his works less memorable compared to other Victorian writers like Charles Dickens or Thomas Hardy. He suggests that Reade's work, while not timeless, had a certain vitality and sincerity, capturing the social concerns of his era in a compelling manner.

Ultimately, Orwell’s essay serves as a nuanced critique of Reade, acknowledging his strengths as a storyteller and social commentator while also highlighting the limitations that have prevented his work from enduring in the literary canon.