Letters from Burma

Letters From Burma, by Aung San Suu Kyi, are an interesting expose of how things were in Burma in 1995 during one period Suu Kyi was released from house arrest, prior to 2010. Her prose rings poetic, and covers everything from customs in Burma to the trials and tribulations of the leadership of the National League for Democracy during the brutal repression. These letters are two and a half pages each, so they're very easy to read and digest. They are written, weekly for a year, by Suu Kyi, to a Japanese newspaper. They make for wonderful reading. I don't mean the subject matters always depict a rosey scene. What I mean is that they are easy to read and Suu Kyi's vocabulary reflects that of an Oxford graduate. If you are wondering what will happen in Burma in the bi-elections of 2014 and the presidential election in 2015, this is a great book to read to see how things were when elections don't go well, but also to see the vibrancy and elan of spirit of the Burmese people, who want human rights and freedom.

My interest in Burma was sparked after I read Amy Tan's "Saving Fish from Drowning" in 2006. The reading of that novel resulted in a more in-depth look into the country's history, politics and peoples. During that year I set sights on Burma, somehow knowing that my passion for travel and cultural exchange would one day lead me there. As travel restrictions ease and the political situation improves an opportunity to visit the county presented itself and the need to get reacquainted with the political climate lead me to "Letters from Burma." Published in 1991, the book is a collection of letters from the country’s most visible democracy advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The collection not only provides insight to the political atmosphere under which Kyi and others pressed for democracy, but it also provides a view of the cultural and religious diversity within the country. I found the letters informative and compassionate; yet I am bereft of the experience of a country that I usually glean from fictional accounts, rendered by the creative writing of the country's contemporary authors. I've always believed that the literature from a country provides a good indication of the extent to which freedom resonates within its borders. Recommendations are welcome as I start to search for recent novels set in present-day Burma, written by Burmese (or any of its citizens). In the mean time, I can definitely recommend "Letters from Burma" for its edifying content and post colonial background.

The essays were well sculpted, cogent and poignant. I personally enjoyed the “festivals”... Adored the artwork... Found the “guest checkers” revealing... Loved the premise behind the dances and celebrations... Respected (in chapters such as ‘repairing the roof”) the many loose parallels... And drank up the plethora of information. By far albeit, one of my favorite indentations was mention of the “best indicators of a country developing along the right lines.” Who would guess it? “Healthy mothers giving birth to healthy babies!” This voluptuous book of essays, in all of its symbolisms and allegories for peace and humanitarian work, I found enriching. Highly recommended!

This book was just ok for me. I learned a little about Burma but really not much. I gained a little insight into her life but not a whole lot. I came away from this read feeling quite different about her and am still wrestling with some of that.

Aung San Suu Kyi is a wonderful writer. She gives readers a deeper understanding of her country through her stories— stories that bring us insight into the politics, culture and spiritual aspects of Burma. She is deeply intelligent, wise and compassionate. These qualities of mind and heart comes across in her writings.

You might expect a rant from someone who spent 25 years under house arrest and was robbed by the generals of a sweeping victory at the ballot box. But not at all. The letters are a gentle look at Burma and her people and a reasoned attempt to explain why they should be free. A lovely book in which you learna lot about the country and come away absolutely convinced of the integrity of the National Leauge for Democracy and of The Lady herself.

I admire Aung San Suu kyi, and read many of the recent biographies written on this inspiring iron lady. "Letters from Burma" is a bunch of her essays, about life in her beloved Burma during the Junta years. Why 5 star grade? because when it comes to the lady, I'm not really obejective.But I'd add kind of a black box warning. For those of you who are new the story of the lady, and Burma, I'm not sure it's the best starting point. Because the letters don't build a cohesive plot. Consider read first books like "voice of Hope: Conversations with Alan Clements", and then come back to the letters.

I found this book very interesting particularly as I was in Myanmar ( Burma) while reading it. I have just returned and things have certainly improved since it was written. I recommend it for those who intend to visit Burma or those interested in Burmese politics.

Das Thema Freiheit betrifft uns all auf der ganzen Welt. Aung San Suu Kyi hat ohne Zweifel eine schwierige Aufgabe und einerseits möchte ich von ihrem Wissen und ihrer Erfahrung lernen und anderseits möchte ich Suu Kyi mit meinen Gedanken unterstützen und beistehen.

It is very valuable book where you can learn and observe about cultural and freedom activities of Burma. Precisely she was mentioning a lot for how to solve the problems and foresee the problems...

Nice read in many ways. Gives a view of the modern Burmese life. Beyond the Raj era stories on Burma spanning from Burmese Days (Orwell) to The Piano Tuner ( Mason). On the overall, across many stories, there Is a strong NLD point of view element, from the past. Theses stories may have been the right medium to get the situation to the world outside Burma in those days. May be a revision is due, now that NLD is in a position to make the changes!

Letters from Burma is a superb depiction of the lives of ordinary people in Burma. The strength, both physically and emotionally, of those involved in trying to bring democracy to their land, is incredible. Aung San Suu Kyi is a truly exceptional person in that she remains staunch in the belief that the NLD ( her party) will eventually succeed in their ultimate goal to bring stability and freedom to the people of their country. A most enjoyable and enlightening read.

Suite à la lecture de ce livre, je me suis rendue en Birmanie ( Myanmar).Je n'ai pas été déçue !