Burmese Days

George Orwell's first novel Burmese Days, presents a devastating picture of British colonial rule, inspired by his experiences in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma. The story describes both indigenous corruption and imperial bigotry. John Flory is a white timber-merchant in 1920s in Burma. Disillusioned by imperial life, Flory defies orthodoxy and befriends Indian Dr. Veraswami. The doctor is being pursued by a corrupt magistrate, U Po Kyin, who is orchestrating his downfall. The only thing that can save his reputation is membership of the all-white Club, and Flory is in a position to help. Flory's life is also upended by the arrival of beautiful Parisian Elizabeth Lackersteen, who offers an escape from loneliness and the deceit of colonial life.
'Burmese Days' is a spectacular examination of the debasing effect of empire on occupied and occupier.