The Apple and the Tree: Life as Dr Mahathir's Daughter

by Marina Mahathir Narrated by Ellie Flory Fawcett

Overview

When an apple falls, does it roll far or stay close to its tree?Is it an exact clone of all the other apples the tree produces or something entirely different?This is the question that has perplexed the public about Marina for the simple reason that she is the daughter of the man who has governed Malaysia for almost twenty-four years. Does she echo him in his view of the world, or does she chart her own path?Why is it that in her own public life, in her writing and speeches, she expresses opinions that seem to contradict his?This book hopes to detail how she has navigated her life as the daughter of a charismatic politician and a loving father, even as sometimes she has chafed at being constantly under his shadow. It talks about how she has struggled to find her own identity, to defend her worldview at times and to reconcile them with his at others.She tells the story of growing up as the daughter of Malaysia's most influential leader, from the values instilled in her as a child, right up to the day he was forced to step down as the 7th Prime Minister after leading the historic ouster of the government he used to lead.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"The Apple and the Tree is a remarkable account of her life, complete with extraordinary insights into the complex politics of Malaysia and the global struggles against HIV in which she has been a central voice. Reading it made me proud to be her friend." —Prof Dennis Altman, former President, AIDS Society of Asia & the Pacific

"This book is not just about being the daughter of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad but more so about the special bond that defines the father-daughter relationship. Her lucid style and eloquence coupled with her uncompromising positions on issues make this book fabulously readable. A true gem indeed." —Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar Senior journalist and former Chairman of Media Prima Berhad

"Marina takes us deep into the heart of some of the most important and contentious issues in recent history, sharing her principles and motivation for advocating for women, people with HIB and the importance of the creative arts." —Jean MacNeil, author, Professor of Creative Writing, University of East Anglia

"Born on the eve of Independence, she traces a nation’s journey from Malaya to Malaysia with her parallel emergence into a formidable social activist and holds to account our conscience and actions in a rapidly changing and often troubled world." —James Chau, International Broadcaster and Host of The China Current

"Marina Mahathir’s book is a glimpse into history, both an intimate glimpse into the world of family and a thoughtful exploration of her beloved country, Malaysia, and its extraordinary political turns. A valuable and poignant record." —Fatima Bhutto

"Marina Mahathir writes a charmingly low-key presentation of her life story — and what we read is an important historical document. In the annals of autobiography, this book is not the only first-person recount of living with a famous father. But Mahathir Mohamad is not just a famous father; he is a Malaysian icon, a controversial hero in the normally boring parliamentary politics, a leader who brought major changes in the country’s history" —Goenawan Mohamad, Poet, essayist, founder of Indonesia’s Tempo Magazine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940192096475
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	08/13/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

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