Description
Book SynopsisAs a British teenager, I meet a beautiful Burmese girl on the school bus. Her family self-exiled in 1964, soon after the military coup, to start a new life in England. My fascination is fired for this far-off land.How did Burma, with such a regal past, swathed in natural beauty and populated by a people of unmistakable poise and serenity slide into repression and obscurity? How can the up-beat memories of April's parents be reconciled with Myanmar's current malaise?Over 16 years I recorded the oral history, anecdotes and reminiscences of her family who were eye witnesses to momentous events in mid-century Burma. These together with more recent conversations - with Aung San Suu Kyi and a range of Burmese millennials - provide a unique portrait of Myanmar stretching back to April's great, great grandfather in 1852.For all the woes of this country, whispers of hope can be heard.
Trade Review"I think many Myanmar as well as others who are interested in our country will find your book very refreshing and vibrant as you have written in a warm, friendly way, touching vividly on many areas, of the past and the present, from an emotional as well as psychological angle." Kyi Kyi May, former BBC Correspondent to Myanmar
"Affecting, influential, challenging, educational, balanced and compassionate. The mix of narrative voices - often complimentary, sometimes contradictory - brings much colour, vibrancy, immediacy to the piece." Dr Daniel Doherty Endorser's credentials: founder of the Critical Coaching Research Group, UK
"Having looked for things to read about Myanmar prior to my visit a year ago, I feel confident that this book is a unique and contemporary addition to what exists." Dr Clare Rigg, Senior Lecturer, University of Liverpool
This book is intelligent, thoughtful, thorough, and threaded with lyrical expression especially around architecture, landscape, costume and food. It disseminates ideas and knowledge acquired from and inspired by a unique location, with the gravitational undertow of faith and family. Anastasia Parkes, feature writer and author The plight of the many minority peoples in Myanmar today is heart-rending yet, apart from the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya, it is rarely publicised. Also perplexing is the public stance of Aung San Suu Kyi. In a gently probing manner, Dr. Mabey exposes the roots of these and other vexing issues. In this rare and revealing book, the conundrums of modern Myanmar are animated by a string of unusual encounters, family connections and intimate observations. The Baroness Cox, Founder and CEO Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust The history of Burma is encapsulated in this brief piece of work, done with a lightness of touch . . . Aung San Sui Kyi's observation that the Burmese realise that "one's destiny is decided entirely by one's actions" is borne out by these lovingly crafted vignettes of expats and Burmese people from all walks of life: their resilient spirit permeates the exquisitely crafted tale. This is a deeply intimate yet eternally universal story about family, survival, culture, nourishment, memory, courage, and love -- all unfurled before the pitiless and uncaring gaze of politics, governments, edicts, laws and military juntas. Ultimately it is a tour de force of how we lose ourselves and then find ourselves. Dr Christine Eastman, School of Business, Middlesex University Whispers of Hope is a memoir of Burma/Myanmar with a difference as only Chris Mabey (a renowned academic in Leadership studies and a devoted Christian) and his family can tell it. The story begins with the author's telling of his meeting with a beautiful Burmese girl in England and falling for the warmth of her family. As the story unfolds, the author delicately weaves together the conversations about Burma he had with the family members and the people he met in the country and his reflections on the changes in Burma. This family memoir gives an insight into the real lives of Burmese people and their culture and history. It will be of interest to anyone who is intrigued by the paradoxes of early and modern Myanmar. Linda Hsiu-Yun Hsieh, Associate Professor
