What do you think?
Rate this book
The Burma Spring: Aung San Suu Kyi and the New Struggle for the Soul of a Nation
Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's "woman of destiny" and one of the most admired voices for freedom in the world today, comes alive through this brilliant rendering of Burma's tumultuous history.Award-winning journalist and former State Department speechwriter Rena Pederson brings to light fresh details about the charismatic Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi: the inspiration for Burma's (now Myanmar) first steps towards democracy. Suu Kyi's party will be a major contender in the 2015 elections, a revolutionary breakthrough after years of military dictatorship. Using exclusive interviews with Suu Kyi since her release from fifteen years of house arrest, as well as recently disclosed diplomatic cables, Pederson uncovers new facets to Suu Kyi's extraordinary story.The Burma Spring also reveals the extraordinary steps taken by First Lady Laura Bush to help Suu Kyi, as well as how former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton injected new momentum into Burma's democratic rebirth. Pederson provides a never-before-seen view of the harrowing hardships the people of Burma have endured and the fiery political atmosphere in which Suu Kyi has fought a life-and-death struggle for liberty in this fascinating part of the world.
Audio CD
First published January 15, 2015
23 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 11, 2015
I learned so much from this book. There were times I was gasping out loud. Parts of it were very hard to listen to due to the brutality. I didn't know this had gone on and I'm glad I listened to it. Very well written.
February 5, 2017
DNF @ 20%
This book isn't for me.
I've read 20% and two things are clear to me:
1. This is a biography by an admirer of Aung San Suu Kyi's who seems to have fallen into the trap of lining up one sugar-coated cliche after another; and
2. There has been little critical analysis of the subject so far, and skimming through the rest of the book, there doesn't seem to be much later on either.
It may be that the books publication preceded much of the more recent criticism of Aung San Suu Kyi with respect to her condoning violence against a muslim minority in Myanmar/Burma, but the tone of the book is a little too enthusiastic for me.
Saying that, Pederson does give a good historical account of Aung San Suu Kyi's life and her involvement in politics.
This book isn't for me.
I've read 20% and two things are clear to me:
1. This is a biography by an admirer of Aung San Suu Kyi's who seems to have fallen into the trap of lining up one sugar-coated cliche after another; and
2. There has been little critical analysis of the subject so far, and skimming through the rest of the book, there doesn't seem to be much later on either.
It may be that the books publication preceded much of the more recent criticism of Aung San Suu Kyi with respect to her condoning violence against a muslim minority in Myanmar/Burma, but the tone of the book is a little too enthusiastic for me.
Saying that, Pederson does give a good historical account of Aung San Suu Kyi's life and her involvement in politics.
February 9, 2019
Mixed feelings about this book but a great source of information.
The author was a bit all over the place. The way the book is structured is not the best approach, that might have been the problem. But what do I know, I’m not an author :)
Honestly, listening to some of the stories in the book, I got so sad and sickened to my stomach by the atrocities committed by the military to the people of Burma. I can not believe they are not hold reliable for their actions by the Human Rights and United Nations. And, above all, those horrible acts of rape, murder, mistreatment and subjugation are happening in our time - in our lives - we are not reading about this in history books but in daily news. The question I have - how can we as citizens of the world do something?
The author was a bit all over the place. The way the book is structured is not the best approach, that might have been the problem. But what do I know, I’m not an author :)
Honestly, listening to some of the stories in the book, I got so sad and sickened to my stomach by the atrocities committed by the military to the people of Burma. I can not believe they are not hold reliable for their actions by the Human Rights and United Nations. And, above all, those horrible acts of rape, murder, mistreatment and subjugation are happening in our time - in our lives - we are not reading about this in history books but in daily news. The question I have - how can we as citizens of the world do something?
January 1, 2016
This book taught me a lot about Burma. The writing was odd. It was almost like a fix-up book in which several essays were thrown together with connecting material. It just wasn't very cohesive with lots of repetition and disjointed timelines. If you want to learn about Burma, I recommend, but be patient with the writing.
November 22, 2015
important book .... read durning the long anticipated elections this past week - i do think it needed an editor as it could have been shortened somewhat - and there were many typos which makes me think it was rushed to the presses - and found that somewhat disconcerting....
August 20, 2015
Well researched and well written book about amazing woman
August 24, 2015
entertaining synopsis of Burma
July 21, 2019
I will always say this: "The Burma Spring" is THE definitive introduction to Myanmar's political history from the time of independence to just before the 2015 election. It is very well-written, composed around the people who have played such important roles in shaping the political fate of the country, and designed to inform while also entrance the reader. Some of the stories related in this book sound absolutely unreal. Generals dressing up as women to avoid a prophecy coming true? Yep. A Nobel Peace Prize winner being violently assaulted by the military junta? Indeed, these things happened. Yet there is hope.
As a student of Myanmar's political history and current affairs, I found this book to be insightful, interesting, and honestly the best account of the past (from Aung San, to Ne Win, to Than Shwe) that I have read. Rena Pederson keeps the reader's attention and has a very balanced perspective, considering that there is clearly a right and wrong throughout much of the military junta time. This is not just a biography of Aung San Suu Kyi, though it may seem that way at first. Yes, it focuses on her a great deal, but a great deal of understanding Myanmar comes from understanding who Aung San Suu Kyi is, why the NLD is so important, and how things got to be the way they are now.
Particularly, at the end of the book, I appreciate that the author highlighted something SO important. That there have been problematic instances of violence and horrific acts committed PRIOR to NLD leadership. Although today, people are accusing Aung San Suu Kyi and her government of allowing atrocities, it is important to consider who REALLY holds the cards in Myanmar (see Ming Aung Hlaing, who is mentioned in this book a bit). Putting all the disgrace onto the NLD could be just what the old guard, the ancien regime, the followers of Than Shwe (who is still very much alive and an influence) want to have happen. Aung San Suu Kyi is considered vile in international media, unfortunately, when all the good she has done for the country is seldom mentioned. She is a politician. The sentiments in Myanmar also have to be considered. It is a complex, beautiful, intriguing, and hopeful place where people are kind and work very hard for a better future.
Rena Pederson captures all of this and I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they have an opinion on Myanmar. Before criticizing the NLD, read this book. Context will certainly help create a more informed opinion of current events. Myanmar is more complex than the media indicates and "The Burma Spring" does an excellent job of conveying this.
As a student of Myanmar's political history and current affairs, I found this book to be insightful, interesting, and honestly the best account of the past (from Aung San, to Ne Win, to Than Shwe) that I have read. Rena Pederson keeps the reader's attention and has a very balanced perspective, considering that there is clearly a right and wrong throughout much of the military junta time. This is not just a biography of Aung San Suu Kyi, though it may seem that way at first. Yes, it focuses on her a great deal, but a great deal of understanding Myanmar comes from understanding who Aung San Suu Kyi is, why the NLD is so important, and how things got to be the way they are now.
Particularly, at the end of the book, I appreciate that the author highlighted something SO important. That there have been problematic instances of violence and horrific acts committed PRIOR to NLD leadership. Although today, people are accusing Aung San Suu Kyi and her government of allowing atrocities, it is important to consider who REALLY holds the cards in Myanmar (see Ming Aung Hlaing, who is mentioned in this book a bit). Putting all the disgrace onto the NLD could be just what the old guard, the ancien regime, the followers of Than Shwe (who is still very much alive and an influence) want to have happen. Aung San Suu Kyi is considered vile in international media, unfortunately, when all the good she has done for the country is seldom mentioned. She is a politician. The sentiments in Myanmar also have to be considered. It is a complex, beautiful, intriguing, and hopeful place where people are kind and work very hard for a better future.
Rena Pederson captures all of this and I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they have an opinion on Myanmar. Before criticizing the NLD, read this book. Context will certainly help create a more informed opinion of current events. Myanmar is more complex than the media indicates and "The Burma Spring" does an excellent job of conveying this.
April 17, 2021
Wow that took a long time to finish. But I guess I’ve learnt pretty much everything I need to know about the political situation in Myanmar up to 2015, at least from one side. I must say it does have a good deal of irrelevant information that I couldn’t care for, but I guess that’s what you get when you choose to read a book on Myanmar written by an American.
One thing struck me as I was reading this: that I should not take for granted the prosperity and freedom I have in my country, so many moving parts had to fit into place nicely to bring us to where we are today. We were extremely fortunate they all did fit in mostly properly! Also I learnt to be a little more open minded about people who criticise the government for being too tough on people who speak out against “injustices”. After all, if there weren’t people who spoke out, Myanmar would still be under military rule (and unfortunately at time of writing suffered a setback in their road to democracy). I just pray the as voters, we all have wisdom to judge which of these criticisms are worthy and which are not. Afterall if we want to put decision making into the hands of the people, we would hope our fellow citizens are thinkers who don’t just follow the loudest voice blindly!
One thing struck me as I was reading this: that I should not take for granted the prosperity and freedom I have in my country, so many moving parts had to fit into place nicely to bring us to where we are today. We were extremely fortunate they all did fit in mostly properly! Also I learnt to be a little more open minded about people who criticise the government for being too tough on people who speak out against “injustices”. After all, if there weren’t people who spoke out, Myanmar would still be under military rule (and unfortunately at time of writing suffered a setback in their road to democracy). I just pray the as voters, we all have wisdom to judge which of these criticisms are worthy and which are not. Afterall if we want to put decision making into the hands of the people, we would hope our fellow citizens are thinkers who don’t just follow the loudest voice blindly!
March 28, 2022
This book was long.
Overall, I was impressed by Pederson’s writing, it was the perfect stylistic mix of memoir, biography, and history textbook all rolled up in one. Although easy to read, at times it felt like I was drinking out of a firehose as there was so much information. In that way, as a historian and perpetual researcher, I would have preferred footnotes or citations throughout rather than merely a bibliography at the end.
Overall, I was impressed by Pederson’s writing, it was the perfect stylistic mix of memoir, biography, and history textbook all rolled up in one. Although easy to read, at times it felt like I was drinking out of a firehose as there was so much information. In that way, as a historian and perpetual researcher, I would have preferred footnotes or citations throughout rather than merely a bibliography at the end.
Want to read
April 13, 2023Foreword by Laura Bush
Rena Pederson (author) 's story of Nobel Peace Price winner Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma (Myanmar)'s struggle for freedom is an important one.
In 2006, there was a roundtable at the United Nations to address the issues of Burma's ethnic conflicts, drug trafficking, and the many thousands of displaced persons.
Activist- Hseng Noung - there are rape victims in conflict areas.
The youngest was 8!!!!
Rena Pederson (author) 's story of Nobel Peace Price winner Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma (Myanmar)'s struggle for freedom is an important one.
In 2006, there was a roundtable at the United Nations to address the issues of Burma's ethnic conflicts, drug trafficking, and the many thousands of displaced persons.
Activist- Hseng Noung - there are rape victims in conflict areas.
The youngest was 8!!!!
January 31, 2019
Biographer spends all chapters making ASSK a Mary Sue. Then in last two chapters finally makes her real. Wish the book had been less of a beatification and more of the actual struggles. I also disliked how often the writer repeated herself.
Book could be half the length and still deliver 95% of information given to the reader.
Last two chapter are 5 stars.
Book could be half the length and still deliver 95% of information given to the reader.
Last two chapter are 5 stars.
November 30, 2018
Very informational and detailed!
January 15, 2019
I was reading, We Are Our Mothers' Daughters by Cokie Roberts when she mentioned Laura Bush's "determination to bring the plight of the people of Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi to the attention of the world".
I am ashamed to admit that before reading Roberts' book I knew very little about Laura Bush's Burma campaign, Burma itself and who Aung San Suu Kyi was. It whet my appetite and I wanted to learn more about all three.
While long, The Burma Spring is an amazing look at all three, and has left me with an immense amount of respect for both Laura Bush and Aung San Suu Kyi. I usually don't attempt to tackle a book this long, but this one is well worth it. It is essentially a mini-class that educates one on both the country and history of Burma/Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi's life.
I highly recommend it.
I am ashamed to admit that before reading Roberts' book I knew very little about Laura Bush's Burma campaign, Burma itself and who Aung San Suu Kyi was. It whet my appetite and I wanted to learn more about all three.
While long, The Burma Spring is an amazing look at all three, and has left me with an immense amount of respect for both Laura Bush and Aung San Suu Kyi. I usually don't attempt to tackle a book this long, but this one is well worth it. It is essentially a mini-class that educates one on both the country and history of Burma/Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi's life.
I highly recommend it.
April 16, 2016
Informative. Suu kyi's story is inspiring. A few proofreading errors, such as pg. 196, in which i believe the author meant "blackened chicken," not "blackened children." A substantial work in which i would have enjoyed more analysis on the character of the hegemony the US enjoys vis a vis. Burmese despotism than just a few quotes from Suu kyi which point in that direction (on themes such as institutional violence, political prisoners, etc.) Somewhat more detailed analysis of Chinese goings on are discussed, esp. environmental destruction...the book is disappointing in the areas of illuminating class analysis and class struggle as a whole...H.C. & L.B., although women, are difficult pieces of this story to reconcile as well. Provides a vivid picture of the stickiness of unhealed distress, especially in male oppression, the material from which resurfaces even after regime change, despite progress, when fundamental hurts in individuals go unresolved. We can see here how old wounds also reemerge between groups when the oppressive society interferes with relationships betwen individuals in which natural processes of discharge and reevaluation can safely occur that would be a healing process for old fears, etc. This principle applies to all present human societies, including the US. All in all a significant amount of work went into writing this book, which is a substantial source of detail on Suu kyi's life, the story of a woman who has a good and holistic understanding of what it means to work for the benefit of all people everywhere.
August 25, 2018
Pederson, a reporter who has multiple encounters with Aung San Suu Kyi writes the book as the narrator in her travels and observations of Burma. Although somewhat dry at times, the book provides a very thorough background of Suu Kyi and an account of the struggles and issues with the military regime. There were copious amounts of details in unexpected topics. One example is General Ne Win's many superstitions such as the planting of sunflowers for long rule in place of useful crops such as rice. Atrocities like murder, rape, drug and money abuse committed by the military under Than Shwe were described in detail to allow an understanding of the people's suffering. I appreciated the summary of attempts to oppose the junta, including details of Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton's involvement, and the terrible Saffron revolution. It was harder to get through near the end and there could have been less detail, but I appreciated the book overall.
Read
November 21, 2022I wouldn't say this was an enjoyable read...the author explains a lot of the horrors going on in Burma, but it was an enlightening read. The author does explain the more recent criticism of Aung San Suu Kyi, but also allows the reader to decided. Overall, I was impressed by the dedication that she gave to her country even at the cost of her personal life. I felt like the author explained the struggles for the nation and Aung San Suu Kyi's struggle to help her nation. The author sometimes skipped around with time periods, and I felt like it would have been a stronger read if it was more linear as well as not repetitive. I did appreciate the thoroughness of how the author explained the history of Burma and the corruption that faces the people.
June 26, 2016
This book has everything you need to know about the recent history of Burma/Myanmar and the life of Aung Sun Suu Kyi, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner. The deplorable injustices present in Burmas recent history will make your stomach turn, but Suu Kyi's resilience and courage will inspire you. The author does a good job at making a scholarly piece easy and exciting to read.
February 17, 2017
I am fascinated into the details of the whole democratic process which includes all parts of the society, all walks of people. Especially after my recent trip to Myanmar, I could get to know more about this nation's history and could appreciate much more about the present. Good to read.
September 8, 2015
Informative, but dry to the point of boooorrrrring. Many bizarre mistakes (such as claiming Kurt Cobain died of a heroin overdose!).
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews