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Loading... Burmese Days (original 1934; edition 1967)by George Orwell
Work InformationBurmese Days by George Orwell (1934)
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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. Somewhat dark piece that covers the British administration of Burma in the early 1900's, and explores the clash of cultures and perils of living in a completely different foreign land, and the political corruption, bigotry, racism and loneliness that creeps in and begins to dominate the lives of all. This very small enclave of English officials and businessmen, in particular, John Flory, struggle to survive and thrive in a very small town in the north of this very tropical nation. Their Club is their refuge from the reality of this extreme environment they find themselves in, and they handle their challenges differently. Flory begins to assimilate and accept and appreciate the charm of this different world and in doing so, stirs up the ire of those less willing. Enter the young English blonde niece forced to move in with her aunt and uncle, and the unraveling accelerates. Initially, i was lost as to where we even were due to the constant barrage of terms such as 'Indians,' coolies, Orientals, Burmese, etc. I thought this was taking place in India.....but i finally looked up some history of the area and realized that the English were administering Burma as they were India. The clarity helped immensely. Thus, I learned a bit of history i was unaware of, but the characters were hard to like, the climate seemed completely oppressive...and i was just reading about it. Interesting, a wee bit slow here and there, but a surprising ending. 3 stars is the best i can do.
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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