Kathryn's Inbox

George Orwell's first novel is a scathing criticism of British colonial rule in Burma. Based on Orwell's (well, Eric Blair's,) experiences of working in as a police officer in the colony, the novel tells the story of arrogance, corruption and a blatant disregard for others. Flory is a British timber merchant who lives in Burma and has done for some time. He lives a life typical of a British male in the colonies, associating with other British people, most of whom he doesn't like, but pretends to anyway, just to keep face. His real friend is Dr Veraswami, but even that friendship is called into question when Dr Versaswami decides that he would like to be the first non-white member admitted to Florey's gentleman's club. Meanwhile, a local, corrupt Magistrate is also intent on damaging Dr Veraswami's reputation for personal gain. Then a beautiful, young British girl arrives in Burma, and Florey soon sets his sights on her ... Although this one is a little long,...

Published many years before Animal Farm (and, consequently 1984, ) Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London is a work of auto fiction, based on two stints the author spent in poverty. The first was a deliberate act, with Orwell posing as a tramp for two months in London. The second arose while living in Paris, Orwell was recovering from an injury when he was robbed. Down and Out in Paris and London takes these two experiences and changes a few of the details and some of the names around, presumably so that people wouldn't recognise themselves or suffer any embarrassment, so that he can expose a bigger issue--of what it really means to be living below the poverty line and how easily those who have nothing can be exploited. The novel opens in Paris (see, I told you some of the details had been changed,) with Orwell unemployed and living in a cheap hotel. An entire chapter is devoted to a vile man he meets there (basically, the man goes about in pubs bragging about how he had r...

Big shout out to an old uni friend of mine for letting me know that Penguin are updating the cover for 1984. The new cover with the (almost) blacked out text is simple, but surprisingly effective. For those of you who don't know, 1984 is one of my favourite novels ... Also had to smile at today's Wizard of Id comic, which in a funny way also reminded me of 1984 ...