Once Upon a Time in Colombia by Benjamin Fisher

by Benjamin Fisher

Once Upon a Time in Colombia is inspired by the protagonist’s experiences in Colombia, where as a young American college dropout/entrepreneur, he traveled in search of adventure, women and money in the flourishing adult web cam chat industry.The story follows him from a privileged upbringing in Miami to the streets of Medellin, Colombia,-providing an inside look into the neighborhoods, a rarely talked about sub-culture, and the city’s violent history. But the story is an upbeat beat one, dare I say, even a love story between a boy and a city. It is also a coming of age tale, a callous youth growing up in a rapidly changing landscape fraught with challenges and dangers, which he must overcome. The protagonist continues to return to Medellin, a symbol as much as something tangible of rebellion against society, a place where he did not have to go to college, wear a suit, and be “proper” to be successful. In the end, sometimes happiness is a lot closer then we think.The story is poetic, almost rhythmical, the play on words from English to Spanish, and even just those in English will amuse the most inattentive readers. As the story evolves, so do the characters, and the reader gets a glimpse into life in the South American Billion Dollar Web Cam Industry, seeing it from the side of the women in the films, their families, the managers, attorneys, and others involved in the business.

Paperback

First published November 10, 2013

Reviews

[Bobby R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story really grew on me the more I thought about it. At first, it seemed to be a description of a young American hustler trying to make a buck out of exploiting young struggling Colombian women. The detailed account of the complexities in setting up a business in a foreign, corrupt city where everyone has a hand out made me sympathize with an initially unsympathetic character. Young Benjamin is an entrepreneur seeking to make his mark upon the world, yet is beset by myriad problems he must solve or circumvent. His description of the obstacles he faces could apply to any new business, and I found myself sharing his frustration, wondering whether I would have been able to work my way through all the hassles he overcomes.

Benjamin is moved by the plight of “his girls” and presents the reader with background information that explains the desperation that leads them to their sad career choices. It is a scene reenacted all across the third world and one we need to be made more aware of if we are ever to improve the lives of people in these unfortunate circumstances.

Along the way, the character of Benjamin becomes more layered. He finds his humanity ebbing away as he becomes more involved in the underbelly of soft core sex internet trafficking. His ability to relate to his girlfriend back home declines inversely as his knowledge of the tough lives led by his “girls” in Colombia increases. He is troubled by his family’s disappointment in his choices and tries to redeem himself. He is savvy but insecure, unsure of his direction in life and in love. He is a Holden Caulfield for this generation of 20 somethings set adrift in a “Boogie Nights” world.

[Sebastien · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a truly awful book. The subject itself - Benjamin Fisher creating an online cam business in Medellin - was the hook. However, it was a bait and switch, as most of the story is superficial drivel where Benjamin drives around town whining about how crazy his life has become. There's one part that's supposed to show how "badass" Benjamin is where he tells his employee, "Don't ever question my judgment again," over his decision to not let one of the cam girls walk around in a skimpy outfit to distract other employees, which is just laughable. Sure, parce.

Benjamin throughout the story comes across as inauthentic, and you can't help but feel that he's a totally different person than how he portrayed himself in this book. He's either a much nicer guy or a much meaner guy. Either way, I wanted a look at the real him and not this douchey portrayal of a superficial entrepreneur in Medellin.

[Toshin Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique look into a hidden voiceless subculture. Edgy and erotic. This novel paints a vivid picture of struggle, hope, and ones determination to find something beyond the ridged frame that outlines our social "norm"!

I love the journey the author takes you on, with a writing style that flows eloquently through a chaotic environment. With a style all his own Benjamin Fisher takes you on a journey like only he can.

Definitely wouldn't have picked it out myself, but turned out to be one of my favorites. A great gift!

[Backpacking Colombia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I read it before visiting Colombia, when I got to Medellin, I really felt like I knew the city already. Definitely highly recommend this book for anyone thinking of visiting Medellin/adventure travel readers. There were parts of the book that were a little much for me as a woman, but I understand;it's a true story, and the author is simply describing his real experience. Overall, a very quick and enjoyable read. I would love to read something else by Senor Fisher, hopefully in Colombia, but not related to pornography.

[Ryan Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of my favorite books. Fisher has an almost rhythmical writing style which was almost as enjoyable as the subject matter.

I was laughing, I was sad, but always entertained while reading it. I learned about an industry, and accompanying lifestyle I knew nothing about it. On top of that, the author paints a very descriptive picture of the City of Medellin. I couldn't put it down. Not bad for two hours. Bravo..

[Literary Enthusiast 1987 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhythmical... Bravo..

[Danny Siliakus · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK!!! HAS A RHYTHM, STYLE AND SUBJECT ALL OF ITS OWN. AS A RAPPER I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THE WRITING STYLE, PLAY ON WORDS, NOT TO MENTION THE STORYLINE, (ALL THE MORE ENJOYABLE WHEN YOU REMEMBER ITS A TRUE STORY) I FELT LIKE I COULD SEE THE STORY IN FRONT OF ME, MOVIE VERSION IN THE NEAR FUTURE? I HOPE SO.