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A New York Times Critics' Top Book of 2019
A Foreign Affairs Best Book of 2020
“An urgent book.” —Jennifer Szalai, New York Times
"Provides a microcosm of the forces shaping twenty-first century politics.… An essential guide to the world we are in."
"At once absorbing, illuminating, and humane.… Invaluable in helping us understand the complexities not just of contemporary Burma but of our postcolonial world."
"An engrossing new account, elegantly written by one of the people who knows the country best."
"A must-read book, not just for those interested in Burma, but for those interested in national identity and democracy in our twenty-first-century world."
"[Thant Myint-U’s] most impressive title to date. It features anecdotes from the author’s own extraordinary life."
"The book on Burma I’ve been waiting to read—a riveting behind-the-scenes account of the country’s political and social transition over recent years, a brave unravelling of well-worn myths, and an urgent plea to imagine a new story and better future for Burma."
"To much of the outside world, the story of modern Burma is both a disappointment and a mystery. The hoped-for happy ending in which Aung San Suu Kyi, released from house arrest, would lead the country to peace and prosperity failed to materialize. Instead, there have been horrifying human-rights abuses inflicted on the Rohingya community. This superb account explains what happened and why, drawing out the wider lessons for the world."
"Thant Myint-U’s fascinating The Hidden History of Burma is a timely reminder of the importance of intelligent social history."
"Thant Myint-U is the one indispensable author on Burma. This is an accessible, understated but powerful story of modern Burma’s journey from hope to tragedy. Thant combines insider knowledge with an admirably objective assessment to tell the story of a nation whose promise has been subverted by political betrayal, ethnic conflict, and economic folly. A well-written narrative that dwells on important themes of authoritarianism and identity."
"An engrossing new book about Myanmar’s troubled, unfinished transition from dictatorship to democratic rule.… The Hidden History of Burma should become a guiding reference work for how we view the new Myanmar."
Thant Myint-U is an award-winning writer, historian, and conservationist. He lives in Rangoon, where he currently heads U Thant House and the Yangon Heritage Trust.