The Spear Will Bend : The Tumultuous Life of a Burmese Democrat

Burma's ongoing travails have been framed by the contest between Aung San Suu Kyi and successive military juntas. Win Htein has been closely involved in many of its skirmishes. Involved in the formation of the National League for Democracy in 1988, he became a key NLD figure, member of parliament and one of "The Lady's" closest confidantes. His detailed insider's account of the NLD's twists and turns over decades of military repression and a few brief years of democratic resurgence is unmatched.

In many ways, Win Htein's life has been intertwined with his country's recent history. Born during the Japanese invasion of British Burma in 1941, he grew up in the tumultuous years of Burma's independence. A military cadet when General Ne Win seized power in 1962, he later took part in the fight against communist and ethnic insurgents. He reveals several unknown stories from his time inside the military, this ending in 1977 when, in the aftermath of a failed military coup, he began a new career in business. In 1988, he became involved in the pro-democracy movement and joined the personal staff of its rising star, Aung San Suu Kyi. His arrest, torture and imprisonment the following year after suppression of the movement and house arrest of The Lady began decades of detention, release and political struggle. Following the 2021 coup, once again he is behind bars.

Offering a very personal story of these years, Win Htein's memoir is a unique, politically important and fascinating account of recent Burmese history.