Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed Burmese Days (Penguin Modern Classics Fiction) on + 1223 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Excellent novel -- what an indictment of British colonialism! I have read 1984 and Animal Farm and I would have to say that Burmese Days is just as brilliant. Orwell's portrayal of Burma during colonial rule shows a world of racism, violence, loneliness, alcoholism, political corruption, and debauchery. The characters in the book are not very likeable but you have to sympathize with Flory who admires and socializes with the Burmese and tries to make the best of his situation in Burma. The rest of the characters are pretty despicable including the girl he falls for -- Elizabeth and her petty preferences and what she considers "beastly." Flory's colleagues at the Club are at best a bunch of lazy, drunken, racists -- especially Ellis. Orwell's uses of racial epithets by Ellis are very inflammatory but show the attitudes of the times. Overall, I would highly recommend this novel as one of the best to show a portrayal of life during colonial days and its negative effects.
Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed Burmese Days (Penguin Modern Classics Fiction) on + 1223 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent novel -- what an indictment of British colonialism! I have read 1984 and Animal Farm and I would have to say that Burmese Days is just as brilliant. Orwell's portrayal of Burma during colonial rule shows a world of racism, violence, loneliness, alcoholism, political corruption, and debauchery. The characters in the book are not very likeable but you have to sympathize with Flory who admires and socializes with the Burmese and tries to make the best of his situation in Burma. The rest of the characters are pretty despicable including the girl he falls for -- Elizabeth and her petty preferences and what she considers "beastly." Flory's colleagues at the Club are at best a bunch of lazy, drunken, racists -- especially Ellis. Orwell's uses of racial epithets by Ellis are very inflammatory but show the attitudes of the times. Overall, I would highly recommend this novel as one of the best to show a portrayal of life during colonial days and its negative effects.
Engrossing story of British colonial prejudice in India, written in Orwell's elegant prose. I feel lucky it was assigned in my history class.
Julienne M. (emmaausten7) reviewed Burmese Days (Penguin Modern Classics Fiction) on + 54 more book reviews
Quite good. Maybe I'm wrong, but, retrospectively, this reminds of Heart of Darkness - without the controversy. Both are the memoirs of a man, working in abroad.
Do NOT order the edition of this book that is ISBN 9781605121628. It is literally unreadable because it is 90% in Italics. Choose another edition!
