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Burmese Days

By George Orwell
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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3.87 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Burmese Days by George Orwell is set against the backdrop of British colonial Burma. The story delves into the life of John Flory, a British timber merchant who struggles with loneliness and the racial prejudices of colonial society. As Flory navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and the moral dilemmas posed by imperialism, the narrative offers a compelling critique of colonial attitudes and the conflicts of a changing world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Set in 1920s colonial Burma, this gripping tale immerses you in a world of political intrigue, personal struggle, and cultural conflict. If you're drawn to explorations of power dynamics, compelling character studies, and vivid, atmospheric settings, you'll appreciate the incisive social commentary and rich storytelling this book offers.

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When Flory, a white timber merchant, befriends Indian Dr Veraswami, he defies this orthodoxy. The doctor is in danger: U Po Kyin, a corrupt magistrate, is plotting his downfall. The only thing that can save him is membership of the all-white Club, and Flory can help.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

With a new introduction by Emma Larkin

Set in the days of the Empire, with the British ruling in Burma, Burmese Days describes both indigenous corruption and Imperial bigotry, when 'after all, natives were natives - interesting, no doubt, but finally only a "subject" people, an inferior people with black faces'. Against the prevailing orthodoxy, Flory, a white timber merchant, befriends Dr Veraswami, a black enthusiast for Empire.

The doctor needs help. U Po Kyin, Sub-divisional Magistrate of Kyauktada, is plotting his downfall. The only thing that can save him is European patronageβ€”membership of the hitherto all-white Club. While Flory prevaricates, beautiful Elizabeth Lackersteen arrives in Upper Burma from Paris.

At last, after years of 'solitary hell', romance and marriage appear to offer Flory an escape from the 'lie' of the 'pukka sahib pose'.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Burmese Days by George Orwell is generally praised for its vivid depiction of colonial Burma and its critical examination of the British Empire's effects on both the colonisers and the locals. Critics commend Orwell's atmospheric writing and his ability to intertwine deeply personal narratives with larger political themes. Some reviews note the novel’s intense and, at times, grim portrayal of isolation and racism.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141185378

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 November 2001

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Emma Larkin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 247g

Pages: 352

Collections

2025 Best Sellers Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Fiction Fiction General Fiction George Orwell In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Eric Arthur Blair (1903-1950), better known by his pen-name, George Orwell, was born in India, where his father worked for the Civil Service. An author and journalist, Orwell was one of the most prominent and influential figures in twentieth-century literature. His unique political allegory Animal Farm was published in 1945, and it was this novel, together with the dystopia of Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949), which brought him world-wide fame. His novels and non-fiction include Burmese Days, Down and Out in Paris and London, The Road to Wigan Pier and Homage to Catalonia.

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