New Grub Street

by George Gissing
New Grub Street cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10440
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Shiny New Books · 2026-01-25
fascinating 3.50

The novel is fascinating but unsettling due to the cynical attitudes of its characters. It provides a stark look at the literary world of the time.

This book was a compelling read, though it was a bit unsettling at times. The cynical attitudes of many of the characters were quite shocking, and it provided a stark look at the literary world of the time. It's a fascinating exploration of the struggles and compromises faced by writers in a competitive and often harsh environment. The novel's realism and social commentary make it a thought-provoking read, even if it can be somewhat disheartening.

Quick quotes

    New Grub Street was a fascinating read, if a little unsettling at times!

    I found myself quite shocked at the cynical attitude of many of the characters

    It's a fascinating exploration of the struggles and compromises faced by writers in a competitive and often harsh environment.

The Guardian · 2014-03-31
significant 4.00

The novel addresses the working conditions of a new class in a realistic narrative. It is a significant work in the series.

This novel is a significant work that explicitly addresses the contemporary working conditions of a new class through a realistic narrative. It provides a vivid portrayal of the social and economic realities of the time, making it a compelling read. The book's exploration of the struggles and triumphs of its characters offers a deep insight into the human condition. It is a thought-provoking and engaging work that stands out in the series.

Quick quotes

    New Grub Street is the first novel in this series explicitly to address, in a realistic narrative, the contemporary working conditions of a new class

    It provides a vivid portrayal of the social and economic realities of the time

    The book's exploration of the struggles and triumphs of its characters offers a deep insight into the human condition

Occasional Review · 2008-04-17
worthwhile 3.00

Despite its flaws, the book is worth reading. The speed of its writing is partially to blame for its shortcomings.

This novel is definitely worth reading, despite its numerous flaws. Some of these flaws can be attributed to the speed at which it was written. The book offers a unique perspective on the literary world and the social conditions of the time, making it a valuable read for those interested in historical fiction. While it may not be perfect, it provides a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

Quick quotes

    I think New Grub Street is worth reading.

    It has numerous flaws only partially attributable to the speed at which it was written.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the literary world and the social conditions of the time.

Appears in Lists