Burmese Days
2021
Mature content — preview before assigning
Reading level 8.5 (8th grade) · ages 14+
Flagged for mature content — preview before assigning
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Genre
Themes
- Imperialism and colonialism
- Racism and social hierarchy
- Corruption and abuse of power
- Moral compromise and cowardice
- Alienation and loneliness
- Hypocrisy and self-deception
- Cultural conflict
- Friendship and loyalty
- Disillusionment
About this book
Set in the waning years of British rule in Burma, Burmese Days follows John Flory, a jaded timber merchant whose uneasy friendship with the idealistic Dr. Veraswami and attraction to a newly arrived Englishwoman draw him into the poisonous racial politics of the local European Club. As a corrupt magistrate schemes to ruin the doctor, Orwell exposes the hypocrisy, cruelty, and moral decay at the heart of colonialism.
Setting: 1920s British-ruled Burma (Myanmar), primarily the fictional district of Kyauktada and its European Club; teak forests and a provincial town modeled on Katha
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burmese Days right for my child?
Use caution — Burmese Days has mature content worth previewing first. The reading level is AR 8.5, which is typical for 8th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include Imperialism and colonialism, Racism and social hierarchy, Corruption and abuse of power. This book is flagged for mature content — worth previewing before assigning.
How long does it take to read Burmese Days?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, Burmese Days takes around 10h to finish. The book has 110,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Burmese Days have an AR quiz?
Yes — Burmese Days has an AR quiz available, worth 16 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Burmese Days?
Burmese Days has an AR reading level of 8.5, which places it at a 8th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.