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Perfect Hostage
A biography of Aung San Suu Kyi, one of the world’s most renowned freedom fighters and advocates of non-violence, and the figurehead for Burma’s struggle for democracy. Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, she has dedicated her life to her country.
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
April 24th 2007
by Arrow
(first published April 5th 2007)
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This was a great book for modern Burmese history, if the sentence structure was occasionally difficult to follow. I read it because I wanted to know more about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as well as have a better understanding of Burmese history in relation to her father. I learned a lot about Burma from the early 1900s to present day and her life, but occasionally felt that Wintle was so optimistic and hopeful for the future in relation to his subject that he failed to account for the current status o...more
This book at first was meant for research purposes as I started to pick out quotes from this book, I started to become interested in reading it. I felt that the main character, Aung San Suu Kyi, was really courageous and brave in having to face the military regime of her country. She was still a peaceful protester even when she recieved 15 years of house arrest. What surprised me alot was how much she was willing to risk and sacrifice to help Burma with their struggle for a new government. She d...more
From my childhood, Suu kyi had imprints in my mind but never coincided to read, except her continuing imprisonment in newspaper. Reading about Suu kyi's philosophy of living a life and her naturally loved behaviours did change my irrationality to certain extent.
It was hard to follow the writings, the most difficulty with the book was to follow with the events, author was moving forward and backward in history, made me uncomfortable.
However, I got what I was looking for, basic unders...more
It was hard to follow the writings, the most difficulty with the book was to follow with the events, author was moving forward and backward in history, made me uncomfortable.
However, I got what I was looking for, basic unders...more
This was a very serious biography, and at times a tough read. The author, an historian, has never in fact met his subject, but drew upon other sources, causing a bit of a disconnected feel, and he began with an involved study of the history of Burma, followed by a biography of Suu Kyi's father Aung San, and then finally on to Suu Kyi's life itself. But it was worth the wait and the plowing through difficult, similar-sounding names and impossible-to-remember acronyms. The courage and determina...more
Great insight into Burma's struggle for democracy. Makes you appreciate how many freedoms we take for granted like catching up with friends discussing politics and not get arrested or going on a peaceful demonstration march without fear of been shot, arrested and tortured.
This book was well researched and superbly portrays the terrible events in Burma and the bravery of one woman. The military junta made my skin crawl.
Knowing not much about Burma, this book is a good overview of its history to date.
an amazing book. The lady had such an amazing story to tell. Everyone should read it. She is an excellent example of what humans can accomplish and stand for.
Well worth the read.
I really enjoyed this book. It's dense with information about the history of Burma, and how it relates to Aung San Suu Kyi. I could easily see rereading this one.
An account of the Nobel Laureate who is under house arrest in Burma(Myanmar) by the Country's repressive Military Government. A look at the Burmese Culture and History, relationship to India and the practice of Buddhism among other things. I'm fascinated by Burma and would love to know more about the country.
Aung San Suu Kyi's life provides a great narrative structure to the sometimes confusing history of Burma. However, Wintle's praise of Suu Kyi sometimes borders on adulation. Aung San Suu Kyi is certainly deserving of praise, but by focusing only on her merits, Wintle doesn't present a well-rounded biography.
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It took me almost a month to finish this book, but I am glad I perservered. It starts extremely slowly, but the historical context is necessary in order to understand Aung San Suu Kyi's position. I knew nothing about Burma beyond the headline and now feel somewhat well-informed.
A lot of information, some parts more interesting than others. Gave an introduction to the political backdrop and historical context of what's going on in Burma, so for that I appreciated it. May be a hard read if you aren't connected to the people or the country at all.
Really just intended to skim this tome and before I knew it I was really reading. Heroic and inspirational, Suu Kyi's struggle is up there with all of the other "greats" of civil right activists as a aymbol against oppression.
After months of searching, bookstore after bookstore, Doha and Manila, finally found one...This is presently on top of my currently-reading list
An excellent history of Burma in general and well researched biography of Aung San Suu Kyi in particular.
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