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The Lady and the Generals: Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's struggle for freedom
Peter Popham's acclaimed biography of Aung San Suu Kyi, The Lady and the Peacock, concluded in November 2010, when she was finally released from seven and a half years of house arrest. But the greater drama was only just a wave of reforms that followed her meeting with the President, the release of most political prisoners, the partial lifting of censorship; then the re-registration of the National League for Democracy (NLD) as a political party, and Suu Kyi entering parliament for the first time.It was a rollercoaster ride during which Aung San Suu Kyi made several triumphant journeys round the world, and many young Burmese returned to the country to help with the ongoing creation of a civil society.However, progress slowed and the future seems not quite so bright. The racist expulsion of the Rohingyas was condemned round the globe and the military rulers are still very much in power. Though the NLD may continue to enjoy widespread support, Suu Kyi herself is unlikely to be allowed to stand as President in the Spring of 2016.Peppered with interviews and true stories which will bring this fascinating country, and its contemporary reality, vividly to life, Brave New Burma will be the only book you will need to read to follow this rapidly changing nation and the great woman who guides its future.
462 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 16, 2016
Peter Popham experiences disillusionment with Aung Sun Suu Kyi in this, the second of his books about the fearless expounder of Burmese rights who carried the legacy of her father for decades after he was assassinated during the 1940s.
For one thing, she seems to work against democracy in the organisation that she has been a key member of for 50 years. She seems to have become aloof and distances herself from the ordinary people for whom she has fought for so long. She refuses invitations to meet Popham and when she does, she is deliberately obstructive, telling him very little. He can only assume all of this because she wishes to be President one day, something the ruling military junta has exprssly forbidden in the constitution drawn up in the 1980s.
However, as he did in the first book, The Lady and the Peacock, Popham delivers brilliant accounts of the history of Burma relevant to Suu Kyi and also of the modern movements that have been crushed as ruthlessly as previous movements for freedom. Minority rights are very much in the forefront of the modern Burmese political and social agenda, but to the people's dismay, Suu Kyi does not appear to support them in the way she did before.
I felt that Popham repeated some aspects of his story from the first book in this one, necessary perhaps for new readers, but a little repetitive if you had already read the first. I still feel the first book was better written, but that may be because of Popham's unreserved admiration for Suu Kyi, clouding my judgement of this book.
Overall, though, highly recommended. I feel as though I know much more about the history of Burma from the 19th century to now, as well as about Aung Sun Suu Kyi and her family.
For one thing, she seems to work against democracy in the organisation that she has been a key member of for 50 years. She seems to have become aloof and distances herself from the ordinary people for whom she has fought for so long. She refuses invitations to meet Popham and when she does, she is deliberately obstructive, telling him very little. He can only assume all of this because she wishes to be President one day, something the ruling military junta has exprssly forbidden in the constitution drawn up in the 1980s.
However, as he did in the first book, The Lady and the Peacock, Popham delivers brilliant accounts of the history of Burma relevant to Suu Kyi and also of the modern movements that have been crushed as ruthlessly as previous movements for freedom. Minority rights are very much in the forefront of the modern Burmese political and social agenda, but to the people's dismay, Suu Kyi does not appear to support them in the way she did before.
I felt that Popham repeated some aspects of his story from the first book in this one, necessary perhaps for new readers, but a little repetitive if you had already read the first. I still feel the first book was better written, but that may be because of Popham's unreserved admiration for Suu Kyi, clouding my judgement of this book.
Overall, though, highly recommended. I feel as though I know much more about the history of Burma from the 19th century to now, as well as about Aung Sun Suu Kyi and her family.
January 4, 2025
Sequel to the famed (but I haven’t read yet) ‘The Lady and the Peacock’, ‘The Lady and the Generals’ chronicled Burma’s (or Myanmar’s) build up to 2015 General Election, in which United Social Development Party (USDP), the Military stooges, was thoroughly trounced by National League of Democracy, led by none other than The Lady, Aung San Suu Kyi, more popularly known as Daw Suu, who, after being unexpectedly freed from house arrest, proceeded to be elected as MP and was on the forefront of leading the country, if not for those meddling militarists.
Burma itself, after twenty years under the rule of Ne Win, curiously imploded in 8888 Revolution, with Ne Win stepped down while another set of military junta took over. After holding an election, which was won by NLD, The Military declared the result null and void anyway, and arrested Daw Suu and numerous democracy activists. Jump to 2008 and Than Shwe, the ruling general, decided to bow down and let Thein Sein, a complete unknown at that time to take over. Thein Sein then, proceeded to open up Burma to the world, letting Burmese to finally catch up with global citizens. However, the Military still had the final say, with 25 percent of Parliament reserved for the military, while some passages in the Constitution effectively barred Daw Suu from Presidency.
While this book mainly discusses Aung San Suu Kyi and the challenges she faced, I am more interested with how the Burmese Military tenaciously cling to power like a limpet. From its entrenched role on politics, to Thein Sein’s masterpiece stroke, of co-opting Aung San Suu Kyi by freeing her and allowing her to stand as MP. Thus, when the military ignited religious and ethnic tensions, Daw Suu was trapped between calling out the atrocity which cost her popular support and condoning the violence, which soured her global reputation as human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
Other interesting aspect of the book, Daw Suu political inadequacies and personal shortcomings were also discussed, which in context of Burma today seemed to be ominous. After winning convincingly, she managed to fumble her hands, insisting to hold power in her hands, and the military ended up launching a putsch and put her back on the prison anyway. In the end, while history showed that fate was not on Daw Suu’s side. This book is important in telling us the background of the Military-backed politics of Myanmar, and pointing out Aung San Suu Kyi’s glaring weaknesses.
Burma itself, after twenty years under the rule of Ne Win, curiously imploded in 8888 Revolution, with Ne Win stepped down while another set of military junta took over. After holding an election, which was won by NLD, The Military declared the result null and void anyway, and arrested Daw Suu and numerous democracy activists. Jump to 2008 and Than Shwe, the ruling general, decided to bow down and let Thein Sein, a complete unknown at that time to take over. Thein Sein then, proceeded to open up Burma to the world, letting Burmese to finally catch up with global citizens. However, the Military still had the final say, with 25 percent of Parliament reserved for the military, while some passages in the Constitution effectively barred Daw Suu from Presidency.
While this book mainly discusses Aung San Suu Kyi and the challenges she faced, I am more interested with how the Burmese Military tenaciously cling to power like a limpet. From its entrenched role on politics, to Thein Sein’s masterpiece stroke, of co-opting Aung San Suu Kyi by freeing her and allowing her to stand as MP. Thus, when the military ignited religious and ethnic tensions, Daw Suu was trapped between calling out the atrocity which cost her popular support and condoning the violence, which soured her global reputation as human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
Other interesting aspect of the book, Daw Suu political inadequacies and personal shortcomings were also discussed, which in context of Burma today seemed to be ominous. After winning convincingly, she managed to fumble her hands, insisting to hold power in her hands, and the military ended up launching a putsch and put her back on the prison anyway. In the end, while history showed that fate was not on Daw Suu’s side. This book is important in telling us the background of the Military-backed politics of Myanmar, and pointing out Aung San Suu Kyi’s glaring weaknesses.
January 31, 2023
A gripping, (second hand) observation based account of Aung San Suu Kyi's journey from being an 'icon' to 'politician'. This book gives a birds view of the Burmese political landscape and how Aung San Suu Kyi fell prey to the country's political regime. Among the many other horrific things the military did to stay in power, this book also, presents a vivid picture of how ethnic cleansing and religion have been used as a political gambit for decades. (This was a highlight and key take away for me personally.)
Appreciate the fact that this book not just glorifies or defends Aung San Suu Kyi's actions but also calls out the times when her action, words, response or lack of it paved ways for future turmoil. Overall, a great read!
Appreciate the fact that this book not just glorifies or defends Aung San Suu Kyi's actions but also calls out the times when her action, words, response or lack of it paved ways for future turmoil. Overall, a great read!
November 19, 2017
One of the best books about Burma (Myanmar) since the start of the political reforms so far. The title suggests that the book is mainly about Aung San Suu Kyi, but it's much more than that. The book gives a good idea of the struggles and complexities this country is facing, and explains why things don't change as fast as many people expected a few years ago. The book also makes you better understand the character of Aung San Suu Kyi; a charismatic and by the Burmese deeply loved leader, who is however far from the saint some thought her to be.
May 9, 2021
Peter Popham writes a thorough and well researched installment of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's political relationship with the Military Generals of Myanmar. Popham has his own inclinations but he shares them only after much weighted thought and unbiased decision made from collection of facts available. A must read.
May 6, 2017
An easy but informative book that gives an overview of the history of politics in Burma and the rise of Aung San Suu Kyi. Good starting place for someone who wants to learn more about Burma.
January 28, 2019
An enlightening book that gives an overview of the history of politics in Burma and the rise of Aung San Suu Kyi.
November 21, 2022
This book talks about A S after she was released from house arrest in November 2010
November 14, 2016
Interesting read. Peter Poham tries to write a story of Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi for the past 50. He tries to focus on the changes in the last 5 years and what has led to the landslide victory of Suu Kyi. Great people make great stories and yes these great stories are burdened with great and difficult choices. THis is what forms the crux of the story.
Keeping the story since 1998 when the lady was taken hostage as a starting point, he recounts the lives of the various military dictators like Than Shwe and Than SHein, he tells the founding of the new capital at Naypyidaw and story of how BUrma is today opening up. Military junta though owns a strong foothold in the country but has let the country open up after 70 years of independence. THe pressure from UN, UNHRC and the UNited States is immense and at the centre stage is the lady who is seen to take it forward.
However the story points out several of the inherent flaws in the entire story of development. Points are very valid and acceptable. Burma has till now not tasted any form of foreign corporate led growth therefore it is definitely going to be long road for it. Simultaneously it has several border issues with CHina, Thailand, Laos and INdia and the various militant outfits in Arakan, CHin, Kachin states are going to be big boulders ahead. Burma is considering the part of the Golden Triangle of heroine smuggling mafia which it still has to solve .
There are issues and may issues and Aung San Suu Kyi is after all a human being, a politician. What is way forward for the people of Burma is show a progressive outlook and come above the regional and religious discrimination and set aside futilities of war and distrust. A country is of the people after all. Development is of the people after all!!
Keeping the story since 1998 when the lady was taken hostage as a starting point, he recounts the lives of the various military dictators like Than Shwe and Than SHein, he tells the founding of the new capital at Naypyidaw and story of how BUrma is today opening up. Military junta though owns a strong foothold in the country but has let the country open up after 70 years of independence. THe pressure from UN, UNHRC and the UNited States is immense and at the centre stage is the lady who is seen to take it forward.
However the story points out several of the inherent flaws in the entire story of development. Points are very valid and acceptable. Burma has till now not tasted any form of foreign corporate led growth therefore it is definitely going to be long road for it. Simultaneously it has several border issues with CHina, Thailand, Laos and INdia and the various militant outfits in Arakan, CHin, Kachin states are going to be big boulders ahead. Burma is considering the part of the Golden Triangle of heroine smuggling mafia which it still has to solve .
There are issues and may issues and Aung San Suu Kyi is after all a human being, a politician. What is way forward for the people of Burma is show a progressive outlook and come above the regional and religious discrimination and set aside futilities of war and distrust. A country is of the people after all. Development is of the people after all!!
April 7, 2016
Takes a balanced view around the persona of Suu Kyi and doesn't succumb to the assumptions of her cult of personality, however is sparsely detailed and lacks anything in the way of a conclusion, summative assessment or speculation of future developments.
April 10, 2016
Title : • The Lady and the Generals: Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma’s struggle for freedom
August 26, 2016
Lots of good contextual information in here. A very valuable read.
January 8, 2017
Popham needs to do more fact checking. The part about Chinese invested Myitsone dam does not even get the basic facts right. And probably one third of the book is not really about the lady.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews