Customer Reviews

Twilight Over Burma: My Life as a Shan Princess (Kolowalu Books)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Austrian student Inge Sargent married a Shan prince from Hsipaw. (She claims she wasn't even aware of his high status until she saw the welcoming throngs as they debarked on the shore in Burma. Imagine that little surprise if you were a new bride!) Eventually, the prince raises her to official consort-princess status. They raise two daughters and are deeply revered by the Shan people.

Inge's husband, Sao Kya Seng disappeared after the 1962 coup which brought the military dictator Ne Win to power. They keep her cynically in the dark about his fate for a long time.

My only objection to this book is that the author's portrait of herself and her prince husband is quite a bit idealized. Truly great autobiographies are a bit more self-critical and introspective. This book is too "fairy-tale" and good to be true to life. That is why I give the book three stars and not more.

If you are interested in more about Myanmar (Burma) and how the current regime came to power, this is good reading, nonetheless. It will give you some historical background about why there is a huge conflict between the military regime in Yangon (Rangoon) and Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who is the dissent leader under house arrest.

The Shan state is one of many sub-nationalities that make up the very mixed Burmese nation. I was privileged to make a short visit to the Shan state a few years ago before it became difficult to do so. Burma was often called the Land of Regrets because it haunts people who visit and they long to return. It truly is the Land of Regrets. I hope things will change someday soon for the better, as it is a uniquely wonderful land.

Austrian marries American educated and deeply caring feudal ruler of a Shan state in central Burma. This highly personal account of life in Burma in the 50's and early 60's is shattered by the brutal repression of the Shan state ruling class by the military dictatorship of Ne Win which seized power in 1962 from the civil government of U Nu. Facinating for its observation of life in the Shan States over this period though perhaps observed with little critical perception. The book conveys the deep horror of the human rights abuses perpetrated by the repressive Burman military regime dominated by Ne Win which continues with little change to the present day. A significant contribution to the understanding of life in the Shan State in the 50's and 60's as seen through the eyes of 'foreigner'. The book also graphically demonstrates the way in which a repressive military regime is able to dominate a deeply religious Bhuddist people and to ignore human rights while showing scant regard for human life. 27 years later the repression continues with little change.

Like another reviewer, I must confess that I was a student at the Boulder, CO school where Inge taught German classes. While I was not her student, my friends were. Never once did they let on about Inge's previous life.

18 years old, I set out around the world. By 19, I was in Burma, a country I fell in love with, and visited so many times over the next decade. I also came to understand Burmese politics.

At age 35, after most of my adult life spent in SE Asia, I moved back to Boulder. Late one night, I saw Inge on a PBS station, describing her book. Wow!

I immediately bought the book.

Let me say this: Some people talk, others have no need to do so, because they have lived. Inge has lived, and continues to do so. This book is the story of just one portion of her life. Absolutely incredible, abolutely unbelievable, absolutely true.

Forget the naysayers here. This is the real deal. A wonderful book, simultaneously terrific and bittersweet.

I must begin by admitting some bias as Mrs. Sargent was also my German teacher in Colorado in the late 70's. She never gave any indication of her previous life in Burma, nor of the tragic events that ended that life she knew. It is a powerful story of courage and perseverence. I would highly recommend this book and am anxious to read it again!

Inge's story gives the insight of the aftermath of the military coup. It is difficult to find out for the new generations of Burma on how Ne Win actually treated the Shan Sawbwars and the foreigners. I couldn't stop crying when I was reading about the arrest of Hsipaw Sawbwar and Inge's survival in Rangoon and her dangerous escape. I also could not stop admiring her courage, love and she is now regarded as one of my heros. A must-have book for Burmese and Shans.

What a great story and what a great lady. I had seen a DVD of the story before, but I consider the book more exciting.

This is the true story of Inge Sargent, who fell in love with and married a Shan prince from Hsipaw. Upon returning to Burma they raised a familiy while working to improve the lot of their subjects in Burma's Shan State. This work brought them into conflict with Burma's dreaded Tatmawdaw (military). Shortly after the 1962 coup which brought Ne Win to power, Inge Sargent's husband was arrested and murdered by the military. A personal story, gripping and sad.

Let me first say that I am cheating a little in my rating - I just ordered the book and haven't read it yet! Inge Sargent was my German teacher in high school in Colorado in the early 80's. She was a wonderful teacher, and continually amazed us with the stories of her life. She was one of those rare teachers that you never forget - I can't wait to read the book!!