55 pages • 1 hour read
Burmese Days
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Burma • 1920s
1934
1st World Library
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Burmese Days by George Orwell is set in the fictional district of Kyauktada in British-ruled Burma, following the life of Flory, a lonely 35-year-old English timber merchant. Flory seeks companionship and love amidst his criticisms of British imperialism and strained interactions with fellow Europeans. His quest for a wife and his friendship with the Indian doctor Veraswami unfolds against the backdrop of local corruption, native uprisings, and societal conflicts. Topics include racial discrimination, colonial oppression, and suicide.
Dark
Mysterious
Gritty
Melancholic
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
32,934 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Burmese Days by George Orwell is lauded for its compelling critique of colonialism and detailed depiction of 1920s Burma. Orwell's prose is praised for its vivid imagery and biting social commentary. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the characters one-dimensional. Overall, it’s a powerful but occasionally arduous read on imperial ethics.
Who Should Read Burmese Days?
Readers who enjoy Burmese Days by George Orwell typically have an interest in British colonial history, social critique, and character-driven narratives. Fans of works like E. M. Forster's A Passage to India and Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness will appreciate Orwell's exploration of imperialism, race, and morality.
32,934 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elizabeth Lackersteen
Elizabeth Lackersteen
A fashionable 22-year-old woman who travels to Burma to stay with her aunt and uncle, hoping to secure a husband and escape poverty, causing a stir in Kyauktada due to her presence.
Dr. Veraswami
Dr. Veraswami
An Indian surgeon and the jail superintendent in Kyauktada, who is a close friend of Flory and holds strong beliefs in the colonial project despite facing contempt from the European community.
U Po Kyin
U Po Kyin
A mid-50s local magistrate in Burma, known for his corrupt and scheming nature, aiming to elevate his social status and become a member of the European club through underhanded means.
288
Novel • Fiction
Burma • 1920s
1934
1st World Library
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.