More than just a biography of Nobel Prize Winner Aung San Suu Kyi, this book depicts the context of her struggle through a comprehensive background of Burma's fight for independence (from the British) and the tortuous beginnings of the democracy movement (albeit still unfulfilled until now) and the role of her father, Aung San, in building post-colonial Burma. The book is fairly detailed as well about the rise of the generals to power, and how the regime has managed so far to keep the country isolated. Overall, very good background reading for anybody interested in Burma's politics, and a better understanding of Suu Kyi's principles and ongoing fight. A trifle amusing, though, is the author's penchant for unfamiliar words --- he peppers the pages liberally, which could be a little off-putting sometimes. Some commentators say the book's drawback is that the author never had an interview or direct contact with Suu Kyi herself when writing the book. I'm sure the book would have benefited greatly from this, but i'm sure too that if the author could, he would have - the current severe restrictions on access to her, though, would make this almost an impossibility. Still, i found the book enlightening and very informative. ( )

Perfect Hostage is interesting to have read. I could have done with a lot less on her father's life. ( )