I read the book before going to Burma and really enjoyed it. It gives you a good idea of the way people live, and the problems they have. A very nice story.

A comment to the ones that already read the book :

When I entered the Shan State and saw the Orange plantation a few teardrops went through my face.!

Have seen on Austrian Television a documantary film on the life of Mrs/HHPrincess Inge Sargeant called 'Die himmlische Prinzessin'.. am so deeply touched and impressed with a life led there under the hardest of circumstances and trying now to help refugees from Burma as such. Am an Austrian myself and have lived uproad (Africa), so feel a bit the more for her formidable life led there and a special graciousness and truly wish I'd be able to meet her real in life some day..

Austrian student Inge Sargent married a Shan prince from Hsipaw. (She claims she wasn't even aware of his high status until she saw the welcoming throngs as they debarked on the shore in Burma. Imagine that little surprise if you were a new bride!) Eventually, the prince raises her to official consort-princess status. They raise two daughters and are deeply revered by the Shan people.

Inge's husband, Sao Kya Seng disappeared after the 1962 coup which brought the military dictator Ne Win to power. They keep her cynically in the dark about his fate for a long time.

My only objection to this book is that the author's portrait of herself and her prince husband is quite a bit idealized. Truly great autobiographies are a bit more self-critical and introspective. This book is too "fairy-tale" and good to be true to life. That is why I give the book three stars and not more.

If you are interested in more about Myanmar (Burma) and how the current regime came to power, this is good reading, nonetheless. It will give you some historical background about why there is a huge conflict between the military regime in Yangon (Rangoon) and Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who is the dissent leader under house arrest.

The Shan state is one of many sub-nationalities that make up the very mixed Burmese nation. I was privileged to make a short visit to the Shan state a few years ago before it became difficult to do so. Burma was often called the Land of Regrets because it haunts people who visit and they long to return. It truly is the Land of Regrets. I hope things will change someday soon for the better, as it is a uniquely wonderful land.

I must begin by admitting some bias as Mrs. Sargent was also my German teacher in Colorado in the late 70's. She never gave any indication of her previous life in Burma, nor of the tragic events that ended that life she knew. It is a powerful story of courage and perseverence. I would highly recommend this book and am anxious to read it again!

Let me first say that I am cheating a little in my rating - I just ordered the book and haven't read it yet! Inge Sargent was my German teacher in high school in Colorado in the early 80's. She was a wonderful teacher, and continually amazed us with the stories of her life. She was one of those rare teachers that you never forget - I can't wait to read the book!!