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Daughter Of Destiny: An Autobiography
Daughter of Destiny , the autobiography of Benazir Bhutto, is a historical document of uncommon passion and courage, the dramatic story of a brilliant, beautiful woman whose life was, up to her tragic assassination in 2007, inexorably tied to her nation's tumultuous history. Bhutto writes of growing up in a family of legendary wealth and near-mythic status, a family whose
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Paperback
Published
January 1st 2004
by Touchstone Books
(first published January 1st 1988)
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I encourage all my fellow women to read this amazing autobiography of Benazir Bhutto, the first female prime minister in an Islamic country, and one of the most educated, passionate women leaders of all time. I was blown away by the story of the Bhutto family and their contributions to the development of the nation of Pakistan, and also how much they, their supporters, and the people of Pakistan endured just because they lobbied for democracy, human rights, a fair judicial system, and freedom fr
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I love political stories and autobiographies are high up there. Pakistan has always been fascinating for me as an Indian. In a good way and a bad way.
Political families exist in India too and I find them equally fascinating. However, with autobiographies, while I don't expect that everything will be revealed as it happened, I do expect that some lessons learnt, some humility. While Benazir tries to show humility, I feel it was a put on to bring some balance to a book that is quite one-sided wit ...more
Political families exist in India too and I find them equally fascinating. However, with autobiographies, while I don't expect that everything will be revealed as it happened, I do expect that some lessons learnt, some humility. While Benazir tries to show humility, I feel it was a put on to bring some balance to a book that is quite one-sided wit ...more
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Excellent in terms of relating Benazir's personal feelings and emotions, but slanted in terms of Pakistan politics and her personal diatribe against President Zia, who eventually executed her father. Lots of tragedy, and insight into the dark, seedy parts of Pakistan politics, and with a few bright moments of President Bhutto's aspirations for her people and especially women.
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 s
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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
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Jul 25, 2015
Tushmit
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Tushmit by:
Munira
Read as part of my personal reading challenge: read a book (I haven't read before) from every top 10 list of books that have touched them (that I have been tagged in).
Format : autobiography
Pre-reading thoughts : I don't know a whole lot about her, but I am curious about her since she was a female head of state in a country like Pakistan. And I'm curious to know her thoughts about Bangladesh.
Mid-reading thoughts :
Don't know if I'm going to finish this, but more on that later. First of all, I want ...more
از قدیمی ترین کتابهای خاطراتی است که خواندم.
Jul 19, 2015
Mehwish Mughal
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
pakistan
,
my-own-my-precious
Daughter of the East is a remarkable journey of our former Prime Minister – Benazir Bhutto (Shaheed). Her unfaltering courage in the face of long years in detention, exile, family tragedy is commendable and strongly reflects ideologies of the much loved leader, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
The narration is so simple, expressive and beautiful that you find yourself wondering whether you are really reading someone’s life or a heart-breaking novel. Some chapters in the book were so powerfully evocative tha ...more
The narration is so simple, expressive and beautiful that you find yourself wondering whether you are really reading someone’s life or a heart-breaking novel. Some chapters in the book were so powerfully evocative tha ...more
Politics doesn't interest me but this book was my local book club's selection for this month. Was a little discouraged when I saw how thick it is - nearly 500 pages. But I'm very glad I read it - Benazir Bhutto was such a brave, loyal, passionate, dedicated woman. She, her family and members of her party endured so much suffering in the country they love so much. At times, this book was difficult to read - brought me to tears many times. I felt shame for what our country did, supporting the dict
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"Daughter of the East" is the true story of a woman's struggle to restore democracy in a country, which has had its history dominated by military dictatorship.
Ms. Benazir Bhutto does not just tell her story, she makes you live it with her. Intensely told, this tale is a very strong woman's journey from the life of a student to the life of a leader. Like me, even if you never supported all her ideas, you would admire her courage and understand the birth of many of her policies.
This book is a mu ...more
Ms. Benazir Bhutto does not just tell her story, she makes you live it with her. Intensely told, this tale is a very strong woman's journey from the life of a student to the life of a leader. Like me, even if you never supported all her ideas, you would admire her courage and understand the birth of many of her policies.
This book is a mu ...more
بی نظیر مدام تاکید می کند که ردای سیاست را خودش ، به خواست خودش، به تن نکرده و جورهایی می توان گفت به او تحمیل شده- اسم کتاب هم (که البته در فارسی دختر شرق ترجمه شده) دوباره موکد همین فکری است که گمان نمی کنم فکر چندان درست یا از ته دل باشد. هیچ کس به خاطر سرنوشتی که بهش تحمیل شده این قدر سرسختانه نمی جنگد ... می جنگد؟ به هر حال، بی نظیر بوتو، از آن دسته آدم هاست که قلب آدم را روشن می کنند، که نشان می دهند می توان همه جا بدی دید و سیاهی، اما "خوب" بود و خوب ماند و خوب جنگید
If one goes only by what is written in Bhutto's autobiography, it would seem as if the Bhuttos were only interested in serving the people of Pakistan. Daughter of Destiny is a good read, and sheds light on the continuous political turmoil in Pakistan. However, if one is familiar with the criticisms against the Bhutto family, one becomes sadly skeptical of Bhutto's version of her family's history. Yet, this book should inspire readers to learn more about Pakistan, and its important role internati
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An inspiring book by a completely inspiring person. i loved reading every paragraph, every page of the book from the beginning till the end. the reason was not the struggle made by Ms.Bhutto was moving but the fact that the book had been written with such a grip on every word and every incident.
I accept the fact there have been biases in the story but despite this fact the book successfully keeps the reader very much into it till the very end
I accept the fact there have been biases in the story but despite this fact the book successfully keeps the reader very much into it till the very end
تاريخ مليئ بالألم و المعاناة ستكرهون السياسة أكثر من كرهكم لها الآن..عاشت بنازير بوتو و ماتت و هي مؤمنة بمبادئها و أهدافها ..سيرة غنية بالأحداث و حبست أنفاسي حتى أنهيتها و أنا ممتنة لكل شخص أخرجني من طريق السياسة الذي كنت أنوي الخوض فيه...لا أظن باكستان ستنهض يوما مادام الاغتيال وسيلة سهلة للقضاء على الخصوم
A tragic tale of a family who struggled to restore democracy in a troubled nation although quite one sided in its account. The book got me hooked to know more about Pakistan's history. Despite all the controversy surrounding her, Benazir will always be an admirable and courageous woman.
فکر نمیکردم که زندگی خانم بوتو اینقدر سخت و پرفراز و نشیب بوده باشه و ایستادگی ایشون در راه دموکراسی و مبارزه با حکومت ژنرالها قابل تحسینه
از این کتاب چیزای زیادی آموختم
خداوند این بانوی توانمند و تاثیرگذار شرق رو رحمت کنه
از این کتاب چیزای زیادی آموختم
خداوند این بانوی توانمند و تاثیرگذار شرق رو رحمت کنه
I remember the day Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Pakistan. I was travelling in a bus and when I read about it on my mobile, I almost shouted in shock. She was one of the few leaders in Southeast Asia whose political journey always fascinated me.
It's a story of long political struggle, victimization, and deprivation. The book talks in detail about Zia's military coup,overthrowing of Zulfikar Bhutto's government with subsequent Islamization of Pakistan. The chapters where she talks about her ...more
It's a story of long political struggle, victimization, and deprivation. The book talks in detail about Zia's military coup,overthrowing of Zulfikar Bhutto's government with subsequent Islamization of Pakistan. The chapters where she talks about her ...more
اشک ... حسرت ... تامل ... قدرت ... شجاعت ... زنانگی با تمام معنایش
This book took me a while to read for 2 reasons: it was long, and it was dry in some parts (like most non-fiction tends to be). Overall it was well written, Benazir gave the readers a good brief history of Pakistan. There are only a few things that I wasn't particularly a big fan of:
-Benazir makes her family seem like they're the holiest family of Pakistan and that people worship them (including her father, her brother Shah and her husband whom most people in Pakistan think is behind Benazir's ...more
-Benazir makes her family seem like they're the holiest family of Pakistan and that people worship them (including her father, her brother Shah and her husband whom most people in Pakistan think is behind Benazir's ...more
If this was the first book I read on the Bhutto family, I'd fall in love with Benazir Bhutto - no doubt about it. I admire the courage she showed; standing bravely against 11 years of dictatorship and bringing democracy back to Pakistan. Retrospectively, her heart was in the right place and so were the principles she held so close. A quarter century later, I have my doubts - for good reasons. Her husband, Asif Zardari, portrayed as a sweet and caring man (with no political agenda) was exposed fo
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Well, being Indian, I dont know much about PAKISTAN . This is an autobiography but reads better than a novel , better than drama, better than action book.
My interest in Mrs.Zardari (Benazir Bhutto) rose after her tragic end. If any one ruler of a country can claim the seat of PRIME MINISTER by LOVE of people, her name must be foremost.
I am amazed at the amount of detentions she suffered, also the writing style of this book does not read like a party manifesto, nor does it read like a vindictive ...more
My interest in Mrs.Zardari (Benazir Bhutto) rose after her tragic end. If any one ruler of a country can claim the seat of PRIME MINISTER by LOVE of people, her name must be foremost.
I am amazed at the amount of detentions she suffered, also the writing style of this book does not read like a party manifesto, nor does it read like a vindictive ...more
This book was incredibly real and tragic. Benazir gives to hope to all who are oppressed, to stay strong, to keep on fighting for what you believe in and what you stand for. Among the many things that struck me, besides the way of life in Pakistan under Zia's dicatorship, or the ways of thinging, culture, traditions..ect, is that Benazir had lead a life outside Pakistan while living in the U.S and in the UK and experienced democracy to the fullest. But then yet, despite all odds she is determine
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After having read this book, as well as
Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West
, I am convinced that every woman, regardless of their social background or religious belief, should read this book. Apart from teaching the reader quite a bit about Pakistan’s development from the moment it became an independent nation, up until the present day, it is an impressive and often shocking tale of a woman struggling for justice and peace. Time and time again this book proves that the strength of man
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"ABD Sovyetlere karşı Pakistanın desteğine ihtiyaç duyduğu sürece, diktatöre demokrasiye gitme konusunda baskı yapamazdı. Ama 1988de Afganistandaki savaş durumu önem kazanınca, ABD'nin demokrasiye olan ilgisi de arttı. Ama 10 yıllık süreçte sadece Pakistan değil, ABD'nin uzun vadeli stratejik çıkarları, müslüman halk ve uluslararası toplum da büyük zarar gördü."
"Batıya karşı yapılan terörist saldırılarla Pakistan arasındaki rahatsız adici bağlantı aslında bir rastlantı değildir. bana göre bu bağ ...more
"Batıya karşı yapılan terörist saldırılarla Pakistan arasındaki rahatsız adici bağlantı aslında bir rastlantı değildir. bana göre bu bağ ...more
Such sad news... Benazir's murder....
I've read Daughter of Destiny probably 5 times over the years - the last time was just a few months ago when I'd read that she was coming out of exile to return to Pakistan.
An incredibly moving account of her life as a member of one of Pakistan's most prominent families, and how that prominence all but ensures a measure of heartbreak due to Pakistan's feudal political system.
Daughter of Destiny covers Bhutto's period of incarceration (1977-1984) at the hands ...more
I've read Daughter of Destiny probably 5 times over the years - the last time was just a few months ago when I'd read that she was coming out of exile to return to Pakistan.
An incredibly moving account of her life as a member of one of Pakistan's most prominent families, and how that prominence all but ensures a measure of heartbreak due to Pakistan's feudal political system.
Daughter of Destiny covers Bhutto's period of incarceration (1977-1984) at the hands ...more
Benazir Bhutto was the first woman prime minister in all Islamic nations. Pakistan being a country only 63 years old and having this accomplishment in its history is a pretty big thing. Being from Pakistan and living there for the first ten years of my life I know how important Benazir Bhutto is to that nation. She was the first to promise democracy, equality in all different fields such as age, gender and religion. Which is why I want everyone to read this book because I want them to know the t
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I've only read the prologue, but I'm hooked already. I had the opportuntiy to meet Prime Minister Bhutto and so felt the world has suffered a severe loss with her assissination.
I finally finished - the day before the one-year anniversary of her death. I was struck with the irony that the book was so interesting because it read like an international thriller--prison, torture, out maneurving the courts, death, the crush of admirers, etc etc. then I would realize 'this was someone's actual life!' ...more
I finally finished - the day before the one-year anniversary of her death. I was struck with the irony that the book was so interesting because it read like an international thriller--prison, torture, out maneurving the courts, death, the crush of admirers, etc etc. then I would realize 'this was someone's actual life!' ...more
A story of a prolonged political struggle, victimization, and deprivation. The details of the ordeal and hardships she and her mother went through at the hands of military dictator Zia-ul-Haq are so horrific and heart wrenching. Her experiences with Pakistani politicians and military establishment after she became the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988 helps one understand the dirty dynamics of Pakistani politics. She made stunning admission viz-a-viz her brothers' involvement in acts of subvers
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Such an amazing and inspirational book! So beautifully written..
It is just so sad that such a woman was brutally murdered.
"It is men's interpretation of our religion that restricts women's opportunities, not our religion itself."
"You are going far away to America. You will see many things that amaze you and travel to places you've never heard of. But remember, whatever happens to you, you will ultimately return here. Your place is here. Your roots are here."
It is just so sad that such a woman was brutally murdered.
"It is men's interpretation of our religion that restricts women's opportunities, not our religion itself."
"You are going far away to America. You will see many things that amaze you and travel to places you've never heard of. But remember, whatever happens to you, you will ultimately return here. Your place is here. Your roots are here."
I found this book to be a very moving account of a woman struggling to see her dream (and her father's dream) come to fruition against terrible odds. Because of who she was, Bhutto's story parallels that of her country at that time. The text is honest, often lyric, and occasionally brutal as Bhutto details the events that happened to her and around her. I was unable to put it down
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precious Free Books: BOOK# 107 :: Daughter of Destiny by Benazir Bhutto | 1 | 2 | Apr 04, 2015 07:28AM | |
| ABD-Pakistan | 1 | 4 | Sep 24, 2012 09:41AM |
Benazir Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who chaired the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a centre-left political party in Pakistan. Bhutto was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, having twice been Prime Minister of Pakistan (1988–1990; 1993–1996). She was Pakistan's first and to date only female prime minister.
Bhutto was the eldest child of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a P ...more
More about Benazir Bhutto...
Bhutto was the eldest child of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a P ...more
