This is not a complete story, not a complete documentary, not a complete analysis, not a complete history, not a complete anything. The author doesn't seem to have a purpose except to write a book about the Karen people. It includes brief excerpts from some of their history; it includes brief descriptions about some of their culture; it includes brief descriptions about some Karen people and some people who work with and for them. It's not even a summary of history or culture or their situation. It's merely brief snapshots of parts, and like the blindman who merely feels the elephant's trunk, one cannot get a complete grasp on what is the Karen people. Nevertheless, these snapshots are awesome and tremendously interesting. The author paints the Karen people as a very interesting minority culture in Burma. It leaves the reader with an admiration if not love of these people and a desire to know more but also a desire to visit this land. So many history books are written by the powerful and tell the story of the powerful. We know about Napolean, Washington, kings and queens. This book tells the story of regular old folks who live, love and unfortunately suffer in a beautiful land.
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