Burmese Days
George Orwell
1934
Around 275 pages
Welcome to the blog George. He makes it to the List on his very first try, with a book reminiscent of E.M. Forster. I had to read this in my college days, and there's nothing like a class discussion to sap your love of a work. Still, I think this is one of the most important reads we've had lately.
John Flory is an English timber merchant living in Burma. He is ashamed of the birthmark that covers half his face, and his only friend is an Indian doctor. He is content with his Burmese mistress until he meets the beautiful Elizabeth Lackersteen. She's a beautiful upper class orphan and represents everything that John Flory desperately wants but feels unworthy of possessing. She's turned off by his obvious affinity for the Burmese natives and clumsy attempts at courting her.
This novel is rich in symbolism. Everything here has purpose, whether its the burning leopard skin or the water buffalo attack, the events of this novel are rich in meaning. It didn't feel like Orwell was preaching, probably because the characters were based on real people. His descriptions were also powerful; I could almost feel the Burmese heat emanating from the pages.
A must read and a great introduction to everything Orwell has to offer.
RATING: *****
Interesting Facts:
Orwell spent five years from 1922 to 1927 as a police officer in the Indian Imperial Police force in Burma.
Orwell was turned down for publication as it was feared he would be sued for libel.
UP NEXT: England Made Me by Graham Greene. I missed that boy.
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