“The riveting story of Suu Kyi’s brutal imprisonment, deplorable maltreatment,astonishing inner strength, and ultimate survival is told with a historian’s appreciation for context and circumstance by journalist and former State Department speechwriter Pederson in a complex and sweeping history of Burma’s centuries-old struggle to maintain a closed society, yet manifest its power on a global scale.”
Booklist (starred review) “Pederson evokes the quiet, stubborn dignity of this rather improbable political icon. She draws a deeply nuanced portrait of the enigmatic, inspiring leader.”
Kirkus Reviews “Journalist Pederson delivers a penetrating portrait of Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of the Burmese National League for Democracy party, in a thoughtful biography that reveals the ‘moody, temperamental’ side of its charismatic and visionary subject.”
Publishers Weekly “Impressively researched and compellingly written, Rena Pederson has woven together the epic journey of Aung San Suu Kyi with the turbulent story of her country, Burma, in a fascinating and inspiring way.”
Benedict Rogers, human rights activist and author of BURMA: A Nation at the Crossroads “Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the towering figures of our age: a tireless champion of democracy, freedom and reconciliation. Rena Pederson captures Suu Kyi as few others have, producing a vivid account of the life of this remarkable woman. The Burma Spring is a valuable resource for anyone interested in contemporary Burma.”
Senator Mitch McConnell “A compelling story deserving of greater international recognition. Recommended for readers of international affairs, world politics, and democracy movements.”
Library Journal “Writing a biography of a living legend is never easy, especially when the living legend is legendarily inaccessible. Rena Pederson has managed to break through the difficulties to publish a thick, fascinating biography. Pederson’s book is as much a biography of Burma as it is a biography of a courageous, charismatic woman who has risked her life to end the dark ages through political activism. An important book.”
The Dallas Morning News “An ambitious and necessary work. An illuminating dossier about a heroic woman and a nation walking, slowly, toward a freer land.”
The Cleveland Plain Dealer