Peter Popham

Popham brings this study to a restrained but moving conclusion. And it sets up the next phase of Aung San Suu Kyi's life and career with even higher stakes. Popham makes a compelling argument for the importance and correctness of her choices, and goes into detail on how her moral example has worked in Burma/Myanmar. But now of course she is a member of parliament, embedded in the messy choices of politics. What comes next? I had my quibbles with this book, but it deserves to be read very widely in Singapore.… (más)

I’ve just finished reading “The Lady and the peacock” and what an interesting and eye-opening read it has been! Popham not only tells us the life story of THE famous human rights activist and one of Burma’s finest and best-known persons, but also gives the reader a brief history of Burma since WWII until ca 2010 and explains the culture, traditions and mentality of the Burmese nation. There is a lot to learn from this book, therefore it may not be an easy read for those only getting interested in Burma’s heartbreaking history. I also found the often non-chronological order of events a bit confusing at times, but all in all the book was rather clear and well written, with interesting comments and reflections and not just the dry facts.
What I also liked about the book was the fact that it wasn’t only a story of a politician or activist, but it offers quite an in-depth look into Suu’s personal life: being famous parents’ child, being a foreign student in Oxford, being a wife and a mother and finally being that individual who decides to make a huge sacrifice to make a difference. It’s a very inspiring book altogether and I’m really glad I took the time to read it. Well worth reading!… (más)