“Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps”
Author: Pauline Hayton
Having recently finished reading my copy of “Naga Queen,” written by Pauline Hayton, and having enjoyed that historical novel immensely; when I was subsequently asked if I would be interested in reviewing her book “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” I happily, and immediately, accepted.
Unlike the author’s previous book that I had read “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” is not a work of historical fiction. Instead it is a written accounting of Hayton’s experiences as she trekked through Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) attempting to make the same journey that her father had during his World War II tour of duty.
Having become a lot closer with her father during the writing of her books and having recently fought cancer and escaped its cold clutches Hayton decided to personally visit the lands she had heard so much about. With her husband Peter by her side, and a wonderful film crew to help her capture this trip on film for her grandchildren, Hayton explored remote regions rarely seen by outsiders; traveled the famous Ledo Road and followed in her father’s footsteps as closely as the various governments would allow. Unfortunately Hayton wasn’t allowed to completely follow her initial itinerary but she did see enough to gain a better perspective of her father’s World War II experiences and there were definitely some sad and somber moments. On the one hand it was wonderful to see, photograph, and travel on the still intact roads and bridges built during his time; on the other hand it was sobering to travel to cities and monuments where thousands had laid down their lives for both sides.
In summary, I would say that “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” is an interesting and well-written book. I also thought that the photographs Hayton included throughout the book were a nice touch. Truthfully I didn’t find “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” quite as interesting as “Naga Queen” but I do think that’s mainly because it seemed to be written more as a personal journal than a manuscript. Knowing that Hayton brought a film crew with her on this trip, and knowing that she was trying to preserve her experiences so that her children and grandchildren would know her father better also seems to point to this conclusion.
“Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” definitely garners a four-star rating and I would place it in the “books to read” category.