BURMA SAHIB

Happily, Paul Theroux's latest masterpiece is available as an audiobook, narrated authoritatively by Charlie Anson. Eric Blair, a callow policeman in colonial Burma, will eventually become known as writer George Orwell. In a clear baritone, Anson describes the lush landscapes of Burma, its trees, foliage, dusty roads, and muddy rivers, along with its natives, who are subjugated by a bureaucratic corps of arrogant, despotic British rulers. Young Blair is the opposite of the stereotypical ruthless British sahib. He moves from one outpost to another, tarred by improprieties such as showing sympathy to natives, shooting a rogue elephant, and having mixed-race friends and relatives. Anson is a master at creating the perfect accents for the colonial hierarchy, who range from Indians and native Burmese to the ruling class. D.L.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2024]