Mighty Heart [Hardcover]

Mariane Pearl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 2003

The tragic murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl is well known. Why he was in Karachi; how he saw his role as an international journalist: why he was singled out for kidnapping; and where the incredible search effort led - are the subject of Mariane Pearl's book. A journalist in her own right, Mariane is, as was her husband, profoundly committed to the idea that a more informed public makes for a better world, and to the idea that risks are taken to uncover a story. A superb writer, she presents a truly illuminating tale - including her own crucial role in the investigative team, where she was responsible for negotiating unprecedented cooperation between the FBI and Pakistani intelligence and able to forge alliances with an array of people, from the Karachi chief of police to George Bush. A Mighty Heart is an extraordinary book - a fitting tribute to a dedicated reporter and a profound and heartbreaking love story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Mariane Pearl is a most remarkable woman. The book is heart-wrenching and extraordinary' John le Carre 'She addresses her own tragedy without self-pity and with remarkable naturalness' New York Times 'A transfixing account of an unimaginable ordeal, frank, taut, and almost unbearably moving' Andrew Anthony, Telegraph Magazine 'Her memoir, though moving, is equally tough-minded' Christopher Taylor, Sunday Telegraph 'a compelling insider's account of the kidnapping' - Clive Sinclair, Jewish Chronicle 'a transfixing and unbearably sad tale' - Edel Coffey, Sunday Tribune 'a gripping and infinitely touching book' - Caroline Moorehead, The Spectator 'riveting' Irish Times

About the Author

Mariane Pearl is an award-winning documentary film director who produced and hosted a daily radio show for Radio France International and has written for Telerama.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Virago Hardbacks; First Edition edition (October 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844080439
• ISBN-13: 978-1844080434
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,259,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read, December 19, 2005

By 

VC (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mighty Heart (Hardcover)

I read this book with my book club and it is our favorite to date. Marianne Pearl recounts beautifully the story of her happy marriage, demanding and sometimes dangerous career (journalism), and frustrating search for her kidnapped husband. I recommend this book to everyone looking for a good read that is different from your average novel or biography.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars makes your heart cry, May 3, 2007

By 

Rachel (colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mighty Heart (Hardcover)

This is such an inspiring story. The story is so interesting. a must read!

4.0 out of 5 stars Good and Evil, June 1, 2009

By 

Jayne P. Bowers "jayne bowers" (SC USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mighty Heart (Hardcover)

Although I knew the outcome of this riveting story before reading the book, it held my interest from page one. The names and places in Pakistan were a bit confusing, but the themes of love, hope, and courage shone through every event, the happy and the sad. Mariane Pearl thinks of her husband Danny as having a mighty heart, but I think most readers of this book will argue that she too has a mighty heart, a brave one.

Interwoven within the horrors of the kidnapping and the interminable waiting that goes on, there is a love story. You sense the love the Pearls have for each other, the dreams for their unborn child, and the excitement of the life they have together. You sense the feeling of terror that Mariane feels when Danny doesn't answer his phone; nor does he call her. Still, life must go on, and she co-hosts a dinner party, one that she knows he would never miss if he were available. She suspects the worst, and by morning authorities have been contacted. There follow several tortuous weeks of waiting and hoping, of promises to bring "your Danny home" to the horrible tape that shows Danny's death.

Educational, A Mighty Heart is also a story of contrasts, good and evil. Although Danny Pearl was killed in a merciless manner, his loyal friends, loving wife, family in the states, and Adam (born at the end) demonstrate that there's still love in the world...and hope.