Reporter and a great writer, Kessel always enriches us, as he knows perfectly evoke and reveal the images are born his passion for discovery. Those of Bombay, Calcutta, and this optimistic Burma beginnings of independence, remained primitive but thankfully very different from Orwell's anti-colonial and socialist apprentice was described 25 years ago; one that drives around the legend of its precious stones and a mix of adventure novel and reportage, the ever-present contrast between the poverty of some and accepted the insolent wealth of the lucky obstinate worthy successor to tyrants the former kings that had replaced the English greedy. Better than a movie: an armchair travel (first class).
