Living Silence: Burma under Military Rule

by Christina Fink

Burma remains the odd man out in South East Asia. It is a military dictatorship, not part of the region's still-dynamic economy, and has a troubled relationship with the outside world, including that fact that it is the second largest supplier of heroin. This exceptionally readable account of Burma gives a graphic, often moving, and always insightful picture of what life under military rule is like for ordinary Burmese. This survey takes in a wide diversity of ordinary people and communities.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2001

Reviews

[Winkhantmg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This an essential book not only for people who want to know/understand the current Burma/Myanmar political/social situation but also for those who were born in the country since the 80s/90s. As a Burmese millennial myself, we have never known what happened to the country exactly since independence in 1948. The history textbooks in the classroom are pretty much rewritten only to glorify the military and regime. Except for hearsay, nobody finds it easy to talk about politics to the younger generation and you will know the reason why in this book.
Aside from personal stories and facts, I find that the writer's insights are very valuable as well, especially with the examples from other countries on how they went through power transitions successfully.

[Maya Hochberger-Vigsittaboot · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5~5 stars/5. This was a very exhaustive illustration of how the Burmese military has infiltrated every aspected of life from pre-colonialism to present day. It has frequent anecdotes of civilian life; however it still read a lot like a textbook. If you want to better understand what has happened in Burma and how the foundation for genocide against the Rohingya- I recommend this book

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for anyone who doesn't know much about Burma. The second edition is updated, and has amazing photos by Nic Dunlop. The author Christina did a lot of investigative research for this book and it shows -- she put Burmese people's testimony in here like a true human rights journalist.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history of Burma, up to the end of the 20th century.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most comprehensive book about Burma I had read yet.

[Hunter Marston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great overview of the culture of fear in Burma.

[Davinci Thang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book in 2007.It is a good book to read because there are not much books to read about books on Burma that much.

[Zechy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, lots of details.

[Cjsavage]

An excellent, introductory work into moder Burma/Myanmar - its problems, its concerns, its woes and its fears.