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Burmese Days is the first novel by British author George Orwell that presents the story of a timber merchant during the period of British colonialism in Burma. Summary Of The Book George Orwell served on the Indian Imperial Police in Burma for five years. Burmese Days is his first novel and is based on his experiences as a policeman in Burma. It showcases a disturbing portrait of the British colonial rule of Burma. First published in 1934 in the United of States of America, Burmese Days is a tale of indigenous corruption and regal bigotry in Burma’s society. Set in a fictional district of Kyauktada, the story revolves around the protagonist John Flory, who is a white timber merchant. Orthodoxy prevails in 1920s Burma, but Flory decides to go against the conventional ways and becomes friends with Dr. Veraswami, a black enthusiast who supports the Empire. But the corrupt Sub-divisional Magistrate U Po Kyin is plotting the doctor’s downfall and thus the doctor’s life is in danger. Flory is born with a birthmark that serves as an indication that he is different from the others of his society. He hates the prevalent orthodoxy of his era, loves the local culture and defies the racist machinations of his fellow Club members. However, he does not have the courage to take a stand for principles always. This time Flory has been endowed with the power to save the doctor’s life by helping him get the membership of the hitherto all-white Club. European patronage is the only thing that can save his life. Another twist comes in Burmese Days when beautiful Elizabeth Lackersteen comes from Paris to enter Flory’s life. He gets an escape from his solitary life with the help of the blossoming romance he has with Elizabeth. The author puts Flory through a test when he has to choose between helping his Indian friend and betraying the friendship. Will he step up for the doctor? Or will he opt for the easier way out? About George Orwell George Orwell was a world-renowned English novelist and journalist. Orwell has authored numerous other fictional as well as non-fictional books including Animal Farm: A Fairy Story, 1984 A Novel, Why I Write, Down And Out In Paris And London, Shooting An Elephant And Other Essays, Homage To Catalonia, Politics And The English Language, Books Versus Cigarettes, Keep the Aspidistra Flying, and The Road To Wigan Pier. George Orwell was born as Eric Arthur Blair on the 25th of June, 1903, in Bihar, India. He started writing poems at an early age. He didn’t do very well in academics in school and because his parents could not afford his higher education, he didn’t go to college. His father made him sit for the entrance examination of the Imperial Police. He deliberately took his first posting in Burma as his maternal grandmother lived there. Later, he moved to London and Paris. In 1932, he started teaching at a prep school in London. Orwell was diagnosed with tuberculosis in December 1947. He passed away in January 1950.