Wifedom

Wifedom by Anna Funder is a blazing, genre-bending masterpiece that captivates from the very first page. This ingeniously crafted work delves into the enigmatic life of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, the largely forgotten first wife of George Orwell. Funder, one of the most inventive writers of our time, pulls back the curtain on the Orwells' marriage, offering an intimate glimpse into a partnership that spanned some of the most tumultuous periods of the twentieth century, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II in London.

Through the meticulous examination of newly discovered letters penned by Eileen O'Shaughnessy to her best friend, Funder reconstructs the narrative of a woman whose brilliance and resilience significantly shaped the work of one of the most iconic writers in history. As Funder immerses herself in the life of her literary hero, George Orwell, she finds herself questioning the essence of what it takes to be a writer and, more poignantly, what it means to be a wife who supports and sacrifices for her partner's genius.

Anna Funder's narrative is a revelation. It unveils how Eileen's intellectual contributions and practical ingenuity not only influenced Orwell's literary masterpieces but also saved his life. Yet, despite her invaluable input, Eileen was written out of history. The book explores this erasure with a keen eye and a compassionate heart, delving into themes of unsung work and the often invisible labour of women, making it not only a historical biography but a compelling commentary on contemporary gender issues.

Award-winning author Geraldine Brooks aptly describes the book as "Simply, a masterpiece," noting how Funder resurrects Eileen O'Shaughnessy in a gripping narrative that spans significant historical and cultural moments of the past century. Chloe Hooper adds, "There's exhilaration in reading every brilliant word," capturing the spellbinding nature of Funder's prose that keeps readers enchanted.

Wifedom is more than a biography; it speaks to the silent sacrifices, the hidden strengths, and the forgotten voices of women. Funder's writing is richly detailed, offering a vivid portrayal of the Orwells' private life. She tells a story that is deeply personal and achingly universal, illuminating the plight and fortitude of women everywhere who support the creation of art from behind the scenes.

This extraordinary book reenvisions Eileen not only through her letters but by filling in the gaps with a filmmaker's eye for detail. Funder writes, "So, she will live writing the letters she did - six to her best friend, and three to her husband. I know where she was when she wrote them. I know that the dishes were frozen in the sink, that she was bleeding, that he was in bed with another woman - and she knew it... I supply only what a film director would, directing an actor on set - the wiping of spectacles, the ash on the carpet, a cat pouring itself off her lap."

Wifedom is a compelling and utterly original narrative that will speak to readers today as much as it sheds light on the past. As recognised by prestigious lists such as the New York Times Notable Books of 2023 and the Financial Times Best Books of 2023 in Literary Non-Fiction, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in literary history, gender studies, and the uncelebrated contributions of women.