Helpful Score: 3
I thought it was a very interesting book. I didn't really realize how oppressed the people of Burma are under their current Government. It was an eye-opener! I also enjoyed how the author related the Government of Burma to the works of George Orwell. The Burmese say that Orwell wrote not one novel about the country, but three: Burmese Days, Animal Farm and 1984. The first takes place during the British colonial days, while the latter two more closely reflect the situation there today. I have read some of Orwell's works including Animal Farm and 1984 - this book piqued my interest to want to read more. I have a copy of Burmese Days that I will probably move up in my TBR pile.
Helpful Score: 2
Fascinating new memoir about Burma, a country most Americans know nothing about, and George Orwell. Linking the country's authoritarian government with Orwell's novels, the author visits the places Orwell frequented during his time in the country. Interesting political and literary perspective.
Journalist returns to the locations where Orwell lived in Burma as a colonial policeman in the 1920's. The book also gives an insight into the current-day situation in that country as well.
Written with a soft-knowledgeable voice, Emma tells her story in an unoffensive yet penetrating way. Miss Larkin spoke at my college as waa riveting in person as well. This is a must read book. People need to know what is going on around the world, and to what degree.
