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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Mariane Pearl might just be the most inspiring individual I've ever encountered. If she really did react to her husband's disappearance the way she describes, that is - but through her faith, I really think she did. The book does a great job of telling the tragic story, through which she shines.
This book is wonderfully written and quite compelling, considering the outcome is known from the beginning. The letters of condolences included at the end were very touching. I find myself admiring Mariane Pearl quite a lot for her courage.
This book is, of course, an amazing story of hope in a situation of despair which is impossible for most human beings to imagine. I have a great admiration for Mariane Pearl and for everyone involved in the operation to rescue her husband. I must say that I do not agree with her on an ideological level when it comes to the 'clash of civilizations' thesis. However, I understand its appeal and how, as a journalist, it is very easy and perhaps necessary to view the world through such a lens.
If you're looking for a book that will induce for both laughter and intense tears as well as an inspiring message of hope and tolerance, then this book is for you.
If you're looking for a book that will induce for both laughter and intense tears as well as an inspiring message of hope and tolerance, then this book is for you.
While a fascinating story, the fact that a lot of the content was already public information, meant that the book felt rather repetitive. Additionally, the quality of the writing was sub par and results in a lack of connection between the author and the reader; the author may have had better results writing in French and in translation. Finally, the letters to the Pearl Family at the end of the book were redundant and felt rather self-serving.
Somehow Mariane Pearl manages to turn the story of her husband's gruesome death at the hands of Pakistani terrorists into an inspiring story of hope. In "A Mighty Heart," she recounts the days after Danny's disappearance with the keen observational and storytelling skills that make her a great journalist.
She shares the struggles she faces trying to find her husband in a country whose counterterrorism unit can't even afford their own computers and printers; in trying to care for the child growing inside her when she is too scared to go on without Danny; and in her decision to carry on his legacy of the kind of journalism people need.
The beautiful thing about Mariane's story is that instead of injecting it with bitterness and hatred, she chooses to show the good that she still believes is in people. She shares letters strangers sent her about how they have been touched by her husband's death, and talks about her plans to carry on his work of promoting peace and understanding among cultures. This is a beautiful and very moving book.
She shares the struggles she faces trying to find her husband in a country whose counterterrorism unit can't even afford their own computers and printers; in trying to care for the child growing inside her when she is too scared to go on without Danny; and in her decision to carry on his legacy of the kind of journalism people need.
The beautiful thing about Mariane's story is that instead of injecting it with bitterness and hatred, she chooses to show the good that she still believes is in people. She shares letters strangers sent her about how they have been touched by her husband's death, and talks about her plans to carry on his work of promoting peace and understanding among cultures. This is a beautiful and very moving book.
You've probably heard about the 2002 kidnapping and killing of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. You probably know the basic facts about this book, which brought you to it—this is a memoir of the ordeal through the eyes of his widow Mariane Pearl, recounting day by excruciating day. I don't need to tell you the basics.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book was the ending—having seen the darkest side of humanity, Mariane includes a curated collection of just some of the letters she received from people after the kidnapping and death of her husband, and the birth of their son Adam. This section was 37 pages long and included tidings from a class of middle schoolers from a suburb of my city; a $2000 check from a raffle held by elementary students in East Hampton, NY; an 85-year-old man who cried of Mariane's bad fortune and felt moved to write; notes from prominent newspaper editors; world leaders; Pakistanis embarrassed by their countrymen; and ordinary citizens from around the world. At the end of the book, this collection put into perspective just how big this story was and the light that is possible within humanity.
My least favorite part of this book was the first chapter, when Mariane is going a bit over the top about how great her husband is during their last morning together. Yes, I suppose that not all spouses actually like each other, but in this first chapter she was far enough over the top that I was having second thoughts about choosing to read the book. Fortunately the story got more engaging in the second chapter and beyond.
The most surprising part of this book was how little real estate was spent on the moment when she was informed of Daniel's confirmed death. It took perhaps a page. Throughout the book, including moments like this, I wondered what parts Mariane chose to keep personal for various reasons. It seems that such a weighty moment should get a more weighty treatment—but perhaps Mariane spared readers from the full detail of moments like this.
If you think you're interested in any angle of the subject matter, this book is worth a read!
Perhaps my favorite part of this book was the ending—having seen the darkest side of humanity, Mariane includes a curated collection of just some of the letters she received from people after the kidnapping and death of her husband, and the birth of their son Adam. This section was 37 pages long and included tidings from a class of middle schoolers from a suburb of my city; a $2000 check from a raffle held by elementary students in East Hampton, NY; an 85-year-old man who cried of Mariane's bad fortune and felt moved to write; notes from prominent newspaper editors; world leaders; Pakistanis embarrassed by their countrymen; and ordinary citizens from around the world. At the end of the book, this collection put into perspective just how big this story was and the light that is possible within humanity.
My least favorite part of this book was the first chapter, when Mariane is going a bit over the top about how great her husband is during their last morning together. Yes, I suppose that not all spouses actually like each other, but in this first chapter she was far enough over the top that I was having second thoughts about choosing to read the book. Fortunately the story got more engaging in the second chapter and beyond.
The most surprising part of this book was how little real estate was spent on the moment when she was informed of Daniel's confirmed death. It took perhaps a page. Throughout the book, including moments like this, I wondered what parts Mariane chose to keep personal for various reasons. It seems that such a weighty moment should get a more weighty treatment—but perhaps Mariane spared readers from the full detail of moments like this.
If you think you're interested in any angle of the subject matter, this book is worth a read!
this book breaks my heart, and then builds it back up, and totally solidifies my girl crush on mariane.