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Loading... Burmese Days (original 1934; edition 1962)by George Orwell (Author), Malcolm Muggeridge (Introduction)
Work InformationBurmese Days by George Orwell (1934)
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One of Orwell's books to re-read every few years. ( ) This was Orwell's first novel and I'm very glad he improved. This wasn't a "bad" work, but not as well written or as satisfying as 1984, Animal Farm, or Keep the Aspidistra Flying. There was no subtly in this book, nothing graceful, nothing to ponder and chew on. It seemed as if everything was large, loud, and in your face. The characters were either reprehensible, idiotic, or pathetic. The story takes place in Burma during the British Empire. It was the story of racism and corruption. I listened to this on audio (10 hrs 17 mins=269 pages) A way of viewing how the Raj worked on peoples lives and relationships - whilst fiction it is based on the first hand experiences of the author which gives the narrative the feel of authenticity. The overall feeling is one of melancholy - perhaps the intended emotion to be felt regarding life in that outpost of the Raj at that time? Orwell's first novel about British imperialism in Burma (Myanmar) is somewhat different from his two better well known novel in that this was a more personal report. You can see the journalist side of Orwell and shows his distaste for the racism where such words as "n*****" was used by more supremacist colonialist. The novel makes you question whether Burma's harsh political climate actually changed or not knowing about Aung San Suu Kyi or the military occupation. Also, some people have stated that Orwell was the main character, Flory, however two thing don't match up: one; Orewll, unlike Flory, was part of the Imperial Police in Burma and two; the fate of the main character is very different from Orwell's.
Overall, Burmese Days is a thoroughly impressive piece of work which is a suspenseful, tragic and at times beautiful depiction of upper Burma. It marks a great contribution towards an artistic reflection of the issue of race (and more subtly in the text, gender) as well as providing insight into the corruption and immorality behind Anglo- Indian imperialism. An undeniable masterpiece. Belongs to Publisher SeriesGreat Orwell (2) Is contained inIs abridged inAwardsNotable Lists
Orwell draws on his years of experience in India to tell this story of the waning days of British imperialism. A handful of Englishmen living in a settlement in Burma congregate in the European Club, drink whiskey, and argue over an impending order to admit a token Asian. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)823.912Literature English & Old English literatures English fiction Modern Period 1901-1999 1901-1945LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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