Burmese Days: George Orwell

Based on his experiences as a policeman in Burma, George Orwell`s first novel presents a devastating picture of British colonial rule

Burmese Days describes corruption and imperial bigotry in a society where, `after all, natives were natives`. When Flory, a white timber merchant, befriends Indian Dr Veraswami, he defies this orthodoxy. The doctor is in danger: U Po Kyin, a corrupt magistrate, is plotting his downfall. The only thing that can save him is membership of the all-white Club, and Flory can help. Flory`s life is changed further by the arrival of beautiful Elizabeth Lackersteen from Paris, who offers an escape from loneliness and the `lie` of colonial life.

George Orwell`s first novel, inspired by his experiences in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma, Burmese Days includes a new introduction by Emma Larkin in Penguin Modern Classics.