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To learn more, Burma Lifeline recommends the following books:

Secret Histories, Finding George Orwell in a Burmese Teashop Emma Larkin 2004, ISBN 0719556996 The Orwellian scholar and author's real name is not Emma Larkin. She uses the pseudonym to protect her identity. Larkin tells how George Orwell predicted in his book "1984" a place which IS today's Burma. In her travels, the author has witnessed how the brutal Burmese generals have turned the land which Orwell loved into a place where truth is a dangerous commodity.

From The Land of Green Ghosts Pascal Khoo Thwe 2003, ISBN: 0060505230 Beautifully written with elegance and sensitivity. The author describes his incredible escape from Burma to Thailand and then to Cambridge University. A member of the Padaung people (known for their "giraffe women"), the author now lives in England and supports Burma's democracy movement.

The Trouser People Andrew Marshall 2003, ISBN: 1582432422 Marshal, a gifted British writer, retraces the steps of Sir George Scott who explored Burma for the British Empire in the 19th century. Special attention is given to the many hill tribes and how they fare under the present military regime.

Beyond The Last Village Alan Rabinowitz 2003, ISBN: 1559638001 The author, a biologist, explores the Himalayan rainforest of Burma, its species and its people. This non-political account deals mostly with the author's search for wildlife in the remote parts of the Northern Kachin State of Burma.

The Iron Road, James Mawdsley 2002, ISBN: 0865476373 The 29-year old author spent almost five years in grim Burmese prisons because of his stand for truth and democracy in Burma. He describes how he was tortured, interrogated, released and jailed again. This is the story of a young hero who furthered the cause of justice through sheer will and determination.

Among Insurgents Shelby Tucker 2001, ISBN: 0007127057 The American author who also taught Law at Oxford University tells of his dangerous trek across the northern mountains of Burma. In this extraordinary adventure story the author also describes the Kachin people and their struggle; he analyses the Burmese civil war and examines Burma's role in the international drug trade.

Burma, The Curse of Independence Shelby Tucker 2001, ISBN: 0745315461 The second book by Shelby is very informative and helpful in understanding modern Burma. The author writes about the country's past and present and gives an insightful appraisal of Burma's troubles.

Living Silence Christina Fink 2001, ISBN: 185649926X This careful study by Fink is a readable yet scholarly account of Burma describing life under the horrible military rule. The author not only explores the political history of the country, she also portrays Burmese society, culture and psychology; she understands the root causes of the problems the people of Burma face today.

In Search of Sunlight: Burmese Migrant Workers in Thailand Pim Koetsawang 2001, ISBN: 9748304922 The Thai author documents the stories of refugees from Burma in Thailand - their status is that of abused migrant workers. The author lived amongst the refugees/migrants and visited them; she exposes their maltreatment in Thailand and explains their plight.

Burma, Something Went Wrong, The photography of Chan Chao Chan Chao 2000, ISBN: 0935445188 This is an unusual collection of photographs depicting refugees on the Thai-Burma border who are taking part in an armed struggle in order to regain democracy for Burma. This book also contains an important epilogue by Amitav Ghosh

Whispers at the Pagoda Julie Sell 1999, Orchid Press, Bangkok ISBN 9748304361 Remarkable stories about ordinary people who live in Burma; this contrasts with the "public face" of the country promoted by the military rulers. The short chapters in this book allow glimpses of traditional life and colorful people as well as of the darker side of living under the present government and its abysmal human rights record.

The Lady Barbara Victor 1998, Faber & Faber, ISBN 0571199445 A full account of the heroine, Aung San Suu Kyi whose struggle against the military is inspiring and legendary. She is "the hope" of 50 million people whoinhabit what is known as Burma.

The Voice of Hope: Aung San Suu Kyi Alan Clement 1997, ISBN: 1888363509 Aung San Suu Kyi, the international symbol of struggle against repression emerges here as a human being, an all-around moral compass The author brings us into the present with Burma's tragic situation through the person of Aung San Suu Kyi and her incredible life.

Freedom from Fear Aung San Suu Kyi 1996, Penguin Books, ISBN 0140253173 Writings by Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner, before her incarceration by the Burmese military whom she soundly defeated at the poles. This book was edited by her late husband who died in 1999 without seeing her again.

Outrage Bertil Lintner 2001, White Lotus, Bangkok, ISBN: 0756750571 A well researched account of the revolt in 1988 by millions of Burmese against the military rule. The year before Tiananmen Square appr. 10,000 peaceful demonstrators were mowed down in Burma by their own military.

Burma in Revolt Bertil Lintner 1994.Westview Press. ISBN 0813323444 This book is the product of 13 years of painstaking research, interviews and personal experience. It is the most authoritative book ever written on politics in Burma, including drugs and insurgencies.

Twilight over Burma Inge Sargent 1994, University of Hawaii Press ISBN 0824816285 "A gripping tale from beginning to end .... A touching memoir that would read like a fairy tale were it not for the unfortunate ending." - Booklist. This is the story of great happiness destroyed by evil, the overthrow of one of Burma's most respected local leaders, and one woman's determination and bravery against a ruthless military regime.(UofH)

The Piano Tuner Daniel Mason 2002,Vintage Book, ISBN 0-375-41465-7. Fiction with historical and geographical accuracy of the Shan States of Burma. The author studied malaria on the Thai-Burma border where much of the book was written.