The Girl from the Fiction Department: Homesick at the New Yorker

Sonia Orwell, George Orwell's second wife, is revealed in a nuanced light by her friend Hilary Spurling, who aims to correct the misconceptions surrounding her life. Spurling depicts Sonia as a complex figure—beautiful and intelligent yet belligerent in later years. As a model for Julia in Orwell's 1984, she was also a significant literary figure, working with notable personalities like W.H. Auden and Cyril Connolly. This biography explores Sonia's multifaceted character, showcasing her generosity, spirit, ferocity, and self-doubt.