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lisajh5858's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written book about a horrifying time in history. Bhutto seamlessly weaves together politics and personal life into brilliant prose. At times it is hard to remember that the things you are reading about actually happened. It is hard to face the fact that so much pain exists in the world and it is astonishing that any human being can live through the experiences shared in this memoir. I was sad that the last chapter seemed so rushed and that it was no where near as well flushed out as the rest of the book but there are obvious reasons for that I think.
Overall this book as inspired me to delve further into the history of the subcontinent.
Overall this book as inspired me to delve further into the history of the subcontinent.
wlotus's review
5.0
Benazir Bhutto's autobiography has me riled up and awe-struck at what she endured as a political prisoner. I am disgusted at the part my own country's government played in financing the military coup. President Reagan gave aide to the leader of the coup! He gave planes to him! President Carter did not request Prime Minister Bhutto's death sentence be lifted! What on earth were these men thinking?!? Zia had overthrown a democracy, and the United States government was doing business with him, in spite of the reports from Amnesty International of the horrific conditions and tortures political prisoners were enduring in Pakistan! There is no justification that can satisfy me. All I can do is shake my head in shame. I suppose no government is clean, but this really beats all. If I knew all that my country's government has done over the years, my hair would probably stand on end, and I mean that in the most literal way possible.
The world lost a first-class leader when she was assasinated. Perhaps some day the United States will be as enlightned as Pakistan was when then elected her to office.
The world lost a first-class leader when she was assasinated. Perhaps some day the United States will be as enlightned as Pakistan was when then elected her to office.
fenharel's review
5.0
An amazing story of courage and strength, against the worst odds, a sad loss to her people, and the hope of democracy in Pakistan. My heart went out to her at the loss of almost all her siblings and parents it was simply heartbreaking. I did enjoy this book a lot, it brought me to tears many times, although some have claimed that her accounts of certain events are inaccurate, I feel that most of her story comes from her heart and is true. The discrimination and suffering Pakistani people face on a daily basis to an inhumane regime bent on staying in power at all costs is just horrible and the fact that it has been allowed to continue due to lack of interest in stabilizing the region is sad and unfortunate for the many civilians who are forced to endure such ruthless cruelties by their own government that is supposed to provide and protect them but instead has decided to abandon in favor of personal wealth and gain.
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