The Making of George Orwell by Jane Bentley
| Burma Sahib by Paul Theroux was the Bookworm's latest project and received an 8/10 rating from group members. Despite some differing opinions, we all agreed it was an excellent read. Lawrence particularly noted the author's erudition. Theroux paints a vivid picture of Burma during the British Raj. The descriptions of the landscape, the oppressive heat, the pungent smells, and the intricacies of colonial life are immersive. This historical fiction delves into the early life of Eric Blair, who later changed his name to George Orwell, author of Animal Farm and 1984. It follows Blair's journey to Burma, where he served as a young British Raj policeman. The experience profoundly impacted Blair, a quiet and introspective man struggling to navigate the social, racial, and class dynamics between the police and the local people. |
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Having endured the harsh and often bullying behaviour at Eton and St. Cyprians boarding schools, Blair found the similar conduct of the British in Burma retraumatizing. Feeling like a failure to his parents, Blair never confided in them about his struggles at boarding school or his troubling experiences in Burma.
Although he came from an impoverished family, he mingled with the wealthy and upper-class establishment. He was troubled by being part of the brutal British colonial rule and associated with the arrogance of his wealthy peers from his boarding school days. Blair's internal struggles with self-worth and conflicts with his superiors added depth to his character, making this a captivating story of personal growth and the harsh realities of colonial rule. Blair's experiences in Burma shaped his worldview, leading him to become an anticolonial writer and adopt the pseudonym George Orwell.
Charlotte suggested that the book was written during the decline of the British Empire when the callous behaviour of the ruling British was being questioned. Ginia raised the question, "What is civilized behaviour?" Blair was fundamentally more sensitive, conscientious and compassionate than many of his counterparts and made efforts to learn the local languages and treat the Burmese locals and his Indian subordinates humanely.
The Bookworms will meet again on Monday, September 9th, at 6:00 pm on Zoom to discuss "On The Bright Side" by international best-selling author Hendrik Groen. Please let Ian Bentley know if you are interested in joining the Bookworms so he can forward the meeting details.
