Burmese Days

George Orwell’s first novel ‘Burmese Days’ presents a devastating picture of British colonial rule inspired by his experiences in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma. The story describes both indigenous corruption and imperial bigotry. John Flory is a white timber-merchant in 1920s in Burma. Disillusioned by imperial life Flory defies orthodoxy and befriends Indian Dr. Veraswami. The doctor is being pursued by a corrupt magistrate U Po Kyin who is orchestrating his downfall. The only thing that can save his reputation is membership of the all-white Club and Flory is in a position to help. Flory's life is also upended by the arrival of beautiful Parisian Elizabeth Lackersteen who offers an escape from loneliness and the deceit of colonial life.</br>‘Burmese Days' is a spectacular examination of the debasing effect of empire on occupied and occupier.