The Peacock’s Children

The Peacock’s Children records the struggle for independence, democracy and freedom in Burma from the fall of the monarchy and the British occupation, up to the turn of the 21st century. For the initial period of the study, the author draws on valuable material concerning the British colonial period and its response to nationalist and student protests, discovered mainly in the archives of the British Library-Indian and Oriental Collection, London. Post-colonial material is complemented by the author’s extensive travel and personal interviews in Burma, Thailand and Australia. The account is at times a harrowing one, underscoring the repeated dashed hopes for freedom, as well as the confusion and contradictions amongst Burmese themselves as to the right path to be followed to achieve true independence. In the Epilogue, the author brings us forward to the present. Regrettably, despite the ongoing struggle, sacrifice and bloodshed of many heroic Burmese, little seems to have changed over the past several decades, for Burmese democracy seems as elusive today as ever. An essential record and valuable reference for all concerned about the fate of this tormented country and its oppressed people.