Burmese Days

Burmese Days is George Orwell's first novel, and a searing critique of British imperialism. It is notable for deriving its plot and themes from the events of Orwell's own life. Orwell draws on his years of experience in India to tell this story of the waning days of British imperialism. A handful of Englishmen living in a settlement in Burma congregate in the European Club, drink whiskey, and argue over an impending order to admit a token Asian. This is a brilliant and insightful story centred on the nature of racism and colonialism in Burma (now Myanmar) in the timeframe after World War I. Orwell spent considerable time in that country so he has a good understanding of the society he is describing.