Paul Theroux is a jerk — but I’d rank him one of the top wordsmiths working today.

This man can write.

Now age-82, Theroux’s 2024 book is as sharp and insightful as ever.

Burma Sahib is the story of George Orwell’s Burmese days. Back when he was in his snivelling early 20s.

A fictional rewriting of young Eric Blair’s years with the police in Burma. Eric Blair is Orwell’s real name.

He arrived Mandalay 1922, age-19, fresh out of Eton.

As unimpressive and pitiable as any Brit in the Raj.

His story is depressing. Mostly colonial bigotry and hateful racism.

Sunburned officer smoking and drinking their lives away.

… the young probationary policeman, bookish and too tall, is plagued not only by the vicious mosquitoes of the river delta but by a pathological awkwardness. …

Theroux, like Orwell, is the sharpest observer of the nonsenses of the class system …

Guardian – Burma Sahib by Paul Theroux review – George Orwell’s Burmese days vibrantly brought to life