Three-Bullet Book Review: Burmese Lessons: A True Love Story by Karen Connelly (2009)
- beautifully written autobiography by a poet combines vivid physical descriptions with searing emotional honesty
- unlike many travel writers and international activists, Connelly is aware of -- and openly discusses -- her privileged position
- forthright depiction of lust adds lush sensuality to a complex love story
Recommended?
YES. UNEQUIVOCALLY.
Burmese Lessons is personal, political, gorgeous and powerful. It melds so many genres -- memoir, travel writing, activist non-fiction, romance -- and turns on an excruciating question of choice. Who do you want to be? What life do you want to live? I devoured this in three days and intend to read it again soon.
p.s. to Karen Connelly: I love you.
