Whispers of Hope: A Family Memoir of Myanmar [Paperback]

As a British teenager, I meet a beautiful Burmese girl on the school bus. Her family self-exiled in 1964, soon after the military coup, to start a new life in England. My fascination is fired for this far-off land.How did Burma, with such a regal past, swathed in natural beauty and populated by a people of unmistakable poise and serenity slide into repression and obscurity? How can the up-beat memories of April's parents be reconciled with Myanmar's current malaise?Over 16 years I recorded the oral history, anecdotes and reminiscences of her family who were eye witnesses to momentous events in mid-century Burma. These together with more recent conversations - with Aung San Suu Kyi and a range of Burmese millennials - provide a unique portrait of Myanmar stretching back to April's great, great grandfather in 1852.For all the woes of this country, whispers of hope can be heard."I think many Myanmar as well as others who are interested in our country will find your book very refreshing and vibrant as you have written in a warm, friendly way, touching vividly on many areas, of the past and the present, from an emotional as well as psychological angle." Kyi Kyi May,  former BBC Correspondent to Myanmar"Affecting, influential, challenging, educational, balanced and compassionate. The mix of narrative voices - often complimentary, sometimes contradictory - brings much colour, vibrancy, immediacy to the piece." Dr Daniel Doherty, founder of the Critical Coaching Research Group, UK"Having looked for things to read about Myanmar prior to my visit a year ago, I feel confident that this book is a unique and contemporary addition to what exists."Dr Clare Rigg, Senior Lecturer, University of Liverpool

This book is intelligent, thoughtful, thorough, and threaded with lyrical expression especially around architecture, landscape, costume and food. It disseminates ideas and knowledge acquired from and inspired by a unique locatils%