George Bowling is an unhappily married, middle-aged insurance salesman and social conformist. One day, after an unexpected windfall of cash, he embarks on a sabbatical journey to his childhood home hoping to find a respite from his miserable existence and to re-discover the mythical ’Walden Pond’ of his youth. But, much to his dismay, George discovers that every touchstone of his upbringing has been obliterated by urban sprawl and development.

I can’t help but draw parallels between Orwell’s comedic take on bad marriage [Coming Up For Air] and Tolstoy’s dramatic take on bad marriage [The Kreutzer Sonata]—the difference being that Orwell’s character blissfully daydreams about the death of his wife (thus the comedy) and Tolstoy’s character actually murders his wife (thus the drama). Is each man questioning the whole institution of matrimony with similar conclusions? Or is it just me? After all, I have personally been twice married and twice divorced. Maybe I’m projecting? …

Back on topic—I enjoyed this offbeat foray into humor. This may not be the Orwell we all know and love but it’s still an entertaining and thought provoking stab at old guard bureaucracy. 3.5 stars, rounded up.