From George Orwell, the author of 1984 and Animal Farm, Coming Up for Air is a classic comic novel about the everyday struggles of the common man. Set in England, it offers a satiric look at the trappings of middle-class suburbia. George “Tubby” Bowling, a middle-aged insurance salesman who excels at his grimly dutiful job, feels like a hostage to his wife and children, regarding them as wardens and himself as a prisoner.

One day, after winning some money from a bet at the races, he steals away to visit the village where he grew up. The pool where he once fished for carp is gone, the village has changed beyond recognition, and the principal event of his holiday is an accidental bombing by the RAF—the perfect ending to his failed escape.

A work of rare vigor and imagination—Coming Up for Air explores themes of middle-class life, nostalgia, and the human condition with wit and insight.