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George Orwell's first novel,
Burmese Days, examines the corrupted truth of British-occupied Myanmar from the perspective of an Indian Imperial Police Officer serving during the last days of the Empire.
Influenced by the author's time spent serving in the Indian Imperial Police force between 1922 and 1927, this first novel by George Orwell illustrates the dark truths of the British Raj. This biting social commentary is set at a time when Myanmar (then known as Burma) was governed from Delhi, and explores the corruption and bigotry experienced first-hand by Orwell. Now in a new edition featuring the introductory essay 'Why I Write', this novel was first published in 1934 and remains a fiercely influential work of political writing.
About the author
George Orwell (1903-1950)
Popularly known by his pen name 'George Orwell', Eric Arthur Blair was an English writer, critic, journalist, and essayist. Orwell's writings have been lauded for insightful commentary on issues concerning totalitarian forms of oppression, and for advocating democratic socialism and social justice. He was especially against the atrocities committed by the Soviet Communist Party and the dictatorial reign of Joseph Stalin.
As a journalist, Orwell invested himself in observing the everyday realities around him. As a result, his non-fictional texts, such as Down and Out in Paris and London, deeply engage with the social injustices that he witnessed around him. It was while serving in the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) that Orwell witnessed violence and atrocities being committed by fascist regimes - an experience that made a deep impact on him. His fictional works, especially Animal Farm and 1984, are allegories set in a dystopian world governed by highly oppressive forces, where power is arbitrary and unchecked, and people's thoughts, emotions, and ideas are subject to state surveillance.
Orwell's works continue to resonate with the readers of the 21st Century in critiquing fascist forces around the world.
