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Cover of Burmese Days by George Orwell

Burmese Days

  • 288 pages · about 5 hours
  • First published 1934
  • 125 editions

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1 About this book

Burmese Days is set in 1920s imperial Burma, in the fictional district of Kyauktada. The story involves U Po Kyin, a corrupt Burmese magistrate, who works to destroy the reputation of the Indian Dr. Veraswami, so he (Kyin) can be admitted to the European Club instead of the more likely Dr. Veraswami.

The Doctor's main protection is his friendship with John Flory who, as a pukka sahib (European white man), has higher prestige. U Po Kyin, however, succeeds and is admitted to the club. Racism and classism undergird the actions of the major characters. Kyin plans to redeem his life and cleanse his sins by financing pagodas.

  • Classics
  • India in fiction
  • Racism
  • Political
  • Imperialism
  • Social conditions
  • Colonies
  • Young men

2 About George Orwell

1903–1950

Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950) was an English novelist, poet, essayist, journalist, and critic who wrote under the pen name of George Orwell. His work is characterised by lucid prose, social criticism, opposition to all totalitarianism (both authoritarian communism and fascism), and support of democratic socialism.

Bio adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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