Our book of the month was Burmese Days.  It was George Orwell’s first novel and was based on his experiences as a police officer in Burma. Set in the dying days of the Raj, it depicts the harshness and darker side of colonial rule. At its centre is John Flory, a lone individual hopelessly trapped in a vast political system; themes which set the agenda for much of his writing. Issued first in 1934 in America then a year later in the UK where there had been fears initially that the material could be libelous. Those fears proved groundless as Burmese Days has endured to be read and enjoyed by many, including our Book Group who awarded it eight out of 10!

Written by Judyth Gregory Smith

Book Group 2