Burmese Days

George Orwell, Burmese Days

Burmese Days, Orwell's first novel, is a dark, one might even say cynical, look at British colonialism in Burma, where Orwell himself spent five years working with the Imperial Police. He would later criticize his novel as "lifeless," which is exaggerated, I would say. There is indeed life in this work, and death, and one could very well interpret the political purpose in Burmese Days that Orwell felt was lacking - a condemnation of the cruelty of imperialist agents overseas and an implicit plea to reevaluate colonial ventures. At the very least, Burmese Days is heavy with condemnation for such attitudes of cultural superiority that have plagued colonial and imperialist movements around the world. And for that, my gratitude to Mr. Orwell.

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Guess who wrote this

I never knew anything about George Orwell other than Animal Farm and 1984. I loved this book! Not what I expected from him. Perfect description of the era.

Burmese Days

Burmese Days, Orwell's first novel, is a dark, one might even say cynical, look at British colonialism in Burma, where Orwell himself spent five years working with the Imperial Police. He would later criticize his novel as "lifeless," which is exaggerated, I would say. There is indeed life in this work, and death, and one could very well interpret the political purpose in Burmese Days that Orwell felt was lacking - a condemnation of the cruelty of imperialist agents overseas and an implicit plea to reevaluate colonial ventures. At the very least, Burmese Days is heavy with condemnation for such attitudes of cultural superiority that have plagued colonial and imperialist movements around the world. And for that, my gratitude to Mr. Orwell.

Excellent, Superb, one of his best!

I have never read a book that affected me so deeply that I suddenly burst out in tears at the end of it and still cry after I put the book down. It's a sad story of the horrors one will submit themselves to for someone who is not even worth their time. Seriously, everyone should read this, it's very true to life and I learned a great deal about myself from it.

Extremly good, a literary gift from one of the best authors of all time!

In this book Orwell gives a 'fictionlly first-hand' account of his time spent in british occupied India. Although published as fiction any person who has read much more on Orwell will be able to reconize many accounts from his own life. I thaught this was a wonderful book portraying, not only colonialism in a realistic light, but also the feeling of being viewed as different and socially unaccepted by ones peers. Wich, the latter, I would say is a feeling every person has delt with on one level or another, at some point in their life. Orwells' gift of the English language coupled with his comprehensive and eloquent style of writing make this by far one of the best novels I have ever read. I would recomend it to anyone, and everyone.

Timely Read

I first read this book while in college during the 1980s. I found it timely and enjoyable then near the end of the Cold War, but find it - along with A Bell For Adano by John Hersey - an even more timely read now as America and Britain prepare to invade and occupy Iraq. This book will always be my favorite Orwell novel. It is that good. It deals more with individual traits/quirks than the more ambitious '1984' and Animal Farm which are, of course, Orwell's masterpiece novels.

one of the best books ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The book was great. It showed how the opinion of life can change in minutes. I liked the ending. I was not a book in which you could perdict the ending. A good book for those who like the reality of the world.

Indian Politics of Racism

This is one of Orwell's best! Drawing from his actual experience in British Indian Orwell has crafted the most intricate and fast-moving account of racial tension, anti-Imperialist protests, and native poitics. Through several characters of differing social status Burmese Days offers a wonderful overview of Indian society as it was under British colonists. The European characters (including the hero Flory) are often vulgar and generally immoral, while their Indian couterparts are portrayed as both greedy characters and submissive, humble workers. This is the definitive Orwell in regards to an engaging plot and interesting characters.

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