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Burmese Days

By George Orwell
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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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 explores the complexities of British colonial life in Burma during the 1920s. The story centres on John Flory, a disillusioned Englishman trapped in a moral and cultural conflict between the imperial expectations and his own values. Through detailed characters and vivid settings, Orwell examines themes of racism, loneliness, and the struggle for authenticity in oppressive environments.
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to immersive tales exploring themes of imperialism and societal decay. Set in 1920s Burma, it paints a vivid picture of colonial life and exposes the harsh realities with sharp critique and nuanced characters. If you're interested in powerful narratives that challenge the status quo, this one's for you.

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Burmese Days

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.

Orwell's first novel, a devastating account of colonial rule in Burma, in a stunning new cover look for his great works

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

Orwell's first novel, a devastating account of colonial rule in Burma, in a stunning new cover look for his great works.

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 patronage - 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 incisive critique of British colonialism and its perceptive portrayal of its characters trapped in a decaying empire. Reviewers often highlight Orwell's vivid depiction of the setting and his unflinching exploration of racial and social prejudices. While some note the novel's bleak and critical tone, many appreciate its historical context and Orwell's skill in weaving complex themes into the narrative.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141395432

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 January 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 181.0mm

Weight: 178g

Pages: 304

Collections

Fiction General Fiction George Orwell Literary 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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