There is a fine balance between writing a work that encompasses political details, history, and conflict and writing about your own personal experience of these events, and author Doris S Platt achieves it beautifully in this very moving memoir about a hugely important period of her life. Whisper my Name to the Grass comes highly recommended for anyone with an interest in culture, world politics, and incredible life stories. ~ K. C. Finn
Whisper My Name to the Grass” is a book that offers a unique perspective on the dramatic fall of the USSR and the remarkable journey of an individual amid historical upheaval.
The story of one woman’s amazing journey from American tourist to presidential advisor in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. This country, mythical land of the Golden Fleece and once known as the “End of the World,” became her world for a time. During earthquakes, the fall of the Soviet Union, and a civil war, this American was admitted into the lives of a passionate people as their nation struggled for its freedom.
“I watched the fall of the Soviet Union and its aftermath from this side of the world –the United States– and the author has helped to fill out my understanding of what went on in Eastern Europe during that time. She has a profound love and appreciation of Georgian culture and people. Reading of her discoveries and work in that country, I feel like I have visited and known the people she describes. The influence she came to have in Georgia, and the things she was able to accomplish, is one for the storybooks, and all true! She gives a closer look at an important leader of the time, Eduard Shevardnadze. Her gift of description, whether observing compelling events or simple ways of life, is immense. It’s a wonderful view into an ancient culture and a time that changed the world.”
~ Peggy Woodruff, host at Classical 89 BYU
5 Star Readers Favourite Full Review
Whisper my Name to the Grass is a work of non-fiction in the autobiography subgenre. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Doris S Platt. This cross-cultural work takes place in the country of Georgia at a time when it was still part of the Soviet Republic under leader Eduard Shevardnadze. The author went from a traveling American to becoming a presidential advisor, and along the way she recounts her deep appreciation for the people of Georgia, their customs, and traditions. There is also an intimate account of what it was like to live through major changes in the country’s political setup, civil war, and the fight for freedom.
There is a fine balance between writing a work that encompasses political details, history, and conflict and writing about your own personal experience of these events, and author Doris S Platt achieves it beautifully in this very moving memoir about a hugely important period of her life. The narrative quality immediately draws you to a curious and capable woman who has natural empathy and enthusiasm, which makes for infectious reading as we see her wonder and excitement in uncovering and understanding more about Georgia in general. The up-close account of what went on certainly helps to fill in some history gaps for those of us who only got a very brief overview of the nation’s history, and the
personal touches in how the events are told make it all the more emotionally resonant. Overall, Whisper my Name to the Grass comes highly recommended for anyone with an interest in culture, world politics, and incredible life stories.
