Eileen O'Shaughnessy: The Forgotten Wife of George Orwell

This podcast episode explores the hidden life of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, the wife of renowned author George Orwell. Despite her significant contributions to Orwell's career, Eileen has been largely neglected in history and biographies. The episode discusses how Eileen's letters, which were discovered years after her death, shed light on her role in Orwell's life and work. It uncovers her intelligence, wit, and her behind-the-scenes support for Orwell's writing. It also delves into the difficulties and complexities of their marriage, including Eileen's nursing of Orwell after he was shot in the throat during the Spanish Civil War. The episode prompts a reevaluation of famous male artists and the role their wives played in enabling their success.