In last weekend’s T Magazine, Lawrence Osborne wrote “ In Myanmar, Retracing George Orwell’s Steps.” There is a burgeoning movement to save Orwell’s house in Katha, which was the inspiration for Kyauktada, the fictional town in Burmese Days, with a small group of artists leading the way. Animal Farm, a satirical retelling of the rise of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union with farmyard animals, was translated and published in Burma in 1951.” “Burmese versions of the British novelist’s internationally famous works have been introduced in Burma since the 1950s. The book tells a tragic story of a British teak merchant who is disenchanted by the superiority of British officials to local Burmese, as well as Indians.”Īccording to the newspaper, Burmese readers are familiar with Orwell. Phyo Tha writes, “’Burmese Days’ is a portrait of the dark side of the British Raj, as well as a tale from the waning days of British colonialism. Writing Burmese Days, Orwell drew from the five years (from 1922 to 1927) he spent as a police officer in the Indian Imperial Force of Burma, when the country was under British colonial rule. Originally published in 1934, Burmese Days is Orwell’s first book, and has been described as a “scathing portrait of the imperious attitudes of the British.” And when the club is forced to elect a non-white member, Flory is caught up in an increasingly hostile and dangerous feud.Writing in The Irrawaddy, Kyaw Phyo Tha reports that the Burmese Ministry of Information named the new translation of Burmese Days the winner of the 2012 National Literary Award’s informative literature (translation) category. The slow, stickily hot days are interrupted by the arrival of the young and beautiful Elizabeth.

Whilst his English peers gather night after night to drink and gossip in their exclusive club, Flory has embraced local life - his best friend is Dr Veraswami and his mistress is Ma Hla May. John Flory is a disillusioned timber merchant based in the remote town of Kyauktada in 1920s Burma.

This edition features an introduction by journalist and writer David Eimer. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover.

Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. In Burmese Days, George Orwell brilliantly evokes the sounds and sights of Burma and reveals, in unflinching detail, the dark side of colonial rule.

Burmese days