![]() There’s an awful chapter about a shooting expedition. I wouldn’t say that I liked the book, although I did enjoy the detailed descriptions of the climate, plants, the native way of life, etc. Burma did not become independent until 1948, so at the time of publication I’m sure the book would have scandalised many supporters of the British Empire. His vices threaten to catch up with him and meanwhile, there are rumours of a rebellion.įor a debut, it’s an astonishing novel, particularly because of its viewpoint. Different from the other ‘pukka sahibs’, Flory is very lonely and the arrival of a young woman at the post, Elizabeth, seems to offer him hope. At the same time, the corrupt and fiendishly clever magistrate, U Po Kyin, is plotting against the doctor to increase his own power, and if Flory isn’t careful he’ll get in the way. ![]() The trouble begins when Flory, a timber merchant, wants to elect his friend Dr Veraswami to the exclusive Club. ![]() The setting is Kyauktada, home to a handful of white Europeans who rule over the Burmans, Indians and Chinese. ![]() It’s based on his experiences as an imperial policeman in 1920s Burma and is a hard-hitting critique of British colonialism, with a cast of horrible characters whose worst traits are magnified in the sweltering small-town atmosphere. Orwell’s first novel is quite a tough read, not for the writing style but for the content. ![]()
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