From the Land of Green Ghosts: A Burmese Odyssey

The Padaung people of eastern Shan state in Burma are little-known apart from their "long-necked women". The author, Pascal Khoo Thwe, is a member of this hilltribe and provides a vivid description of his childhood and youth in a rural and traditional environment, where ghosts are as real as the living. Having eventually decided against the Catholic priesthood, he enters Mandalay University, a culture shock to him as a country boy, at a time when the student unrest of the 1980s is gathering momentum. His story describes his increasing anger and radicalisation in the face of the military regime's repression and persecution of minorities and dissidents; his eventual flight to the jungle to join the Karen guerrillas; and his rescue by a Cambridge academic whom he had previously met by chance in Mandalay and who had become aware of his interest in and knowledge of English literature. Thanks to this acquaintance, the author escapes to neighbouring Thailand, and travels to Britain to study English literature at Cambridge University. He subsequently becomes the first Padaung ever to graduate from Cambridge. I would like to have known a little more about how he managed to cope with such a totally different environment, after his struggle for survival in the Burmese jungle, under constant threat of death. I read this book a few weeks after visiting Burma, and the descriptions brought back many memories: although it may have been useful to read it before travelling there, for background information on the politics and society of Burma, I am glad to have read it afterwards, as I could visualise, at least, the scenery, people, towns and cities. This book is a fascinating evocation of life in a little-known (so far) country, which is on the brink of great change, mostly, one hopes, for the better.

The hardback version of this book is so much nicer to read than the paperback (which I had already). This copy is in pristine condition. Thank you.

The author, then a young man, tells how he was opposed to and fighting against the military dictators in Burma, where minority tribes continue to wage war against the central government. Finally the author crossed the border into Thailand and moved to England with the help of an Englishman he had previously met during his student days in Burma.

I recently returned from Burma and was advised to read this book. It's well written and revealed even more about Burma than I learned whilst I was there..

An amazing insight into the the Padaung tribe by Pascal from his childhood in the jungle of eastern Burma to his graduation from Caius College, Cambridge. A truly remarkable man who was able to marry his tribal beliefs with his Catholic upbringing. I read Pascal's book shortly after visiting Burma including the Shan States and would recommend not only his book but also the country before it gets too westernised and possibly loses some of its culture.

Remarkable story!

A moving and compelling story about an amazing individual from a tribal background who survived a brutal regime and war to become a Cambridge graduate in the most extraordinary circumstances. An important read for anyone visiting Burma who would like to learn more about its recent history and understand its culture.

I read it whilst visiting Burma and was very moved by Pascal's story. It was fantastic that his meeting with Dr John Casey the Cambridge don happened as it did and that from that meeting, both their lives changed. I would love to know what Pascal is doing now and if he has managed to go back to Burma or will be able to go...he must miss it so much, it is a wonderful country with lovely people. I hope that the regime will really change and the people will have a democracy at last then he would be safe to return.