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UNTIL DEATH DO US PART: My Struggle to Reclaim Colombia
Ingrid Betancourt, a senator and a presidential candidate in Colombia, grew up among diplomats, literati, and artists who congregated at her parents' elegant home in Paris, France. Her father served as Colombia's ambassador to UNESCO and her mother, a political activist, continued her work on behalf of the country's countless children whose lives were being destroyed by extreme poverty and institutional neglect. Intellectually, Ingrid was influenced by Pablo Neruda and other Latin American writers like Gabriel García Márquez, who frequented her parents' social circle. She studied at École de Sciences Politiques de Paris, a prestigious academy in France. From this charmed life, Ingrid Betancourt -- not yet thirty, happily married to a French diplomat, and a mother of two children -- returned to her native country in the late 1980s. On what was initially just a visit, she found her country under internal siege from the drug cartels and the corrupt government that had allowed them to flourish. After seeing what had become of Colombia's democracy, she didn't feel she could leave. Until Death Do Us Part is the deeply personal story of a woman who gave up a life of comfort and safety to become a political leader in a country being slowly demolished by terrorism, violence, fear, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. It is a country where democracy has been sacrificed for the well-being of the few, where international criminals determine policy, and where political assassinations are a way of life. Now forty, Ingrid Betancourt has been elected and reelected as a representative and as a senator in Colombia's national legislature. She has founded a political party that has openly confronted Colombia's leaders and has earned the respect of a nation. And now she has become a target of the establishment and the drug cartels behind it. Forced to move her children out of Colombia for protection against death threats, Ingrid Betancourt remained and continued to fight the political structure that has crumbled under the destructive power of the paramilitary forces, the financial omnipotence of the drug cartels, and the passivity of governmentfor-sale. Here is a political cocktail that has destroyed countless lives in Colombia and has spread to countries beyond its borders. A memoir of a life in politics that reads like a fastpaced political thriller, Until Death Do Us Part -- already an international bestseller -- is a hair-raising account of one woman's fight against the establishment. It is a story of a woman whose love for her country and faith in democracy gave her the courage to stand up to the power that has subjugated, intimidated, or corrupted all those who opposed it. A chilling account of the dangerous, byzantine machine that runs Colombia, it is also an inspiring story of privilege, sacrifice, and true patriotism.
228 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
20 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Ingrid Betancourt
28 books68 followersFormer Colombian politician, mostly known for being kidnapped by the FARC.
Was voted in the Colombian congress in 1998 and was kidnapped by the FARC in 2002 during her presidential campaign until she was freed in 2008.
Was voted in the Colombian congress in 1998 and was kidnapped by the FARC in 2002 during her presidential campaign until she was freed in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 25, 2018
I finished this a few days ago, was trying to figure out what bothered me about this book. My son recently returned from a nine days trip to Columbia, to attend a friend's wedding, he stayed in bogata with the bride's brother. He loved the country, so beautiful, but he did say there were places it was better not to go, places that didn't seem safe. I think many of us are aware of the powerful hold the drug cartels have had on their government. Corruption and bribery a way of life.
The reader does get a sense of Betancourts life, from her upbringing, her mother being very nvolved in the government, and the plight of children. The threats made to Ingrid when she was running for President, causing her to send her two children to France, to live with their father, her ex-husband. Her capture and imprisonment by FARC, six long years before she and others held captive were rescued. We also get a keen sense of her devotion to her country, and the way this government works, or doesn't.
Now back to what bothered me. I didn't much like her, her self rightousness and constant refrain of how beyond corruption she was, became repetitive, self indulgent. Even her capture could have been avoided had she just listened, but she thought she knew better. Of course other readers may not feel this way, and much of it is interesting and informative. I looked on WIKi to see where she is now, as this book ended quite a few years ago. You can do the same, makes for interesting reading, maybe more so than this book.
The reader does get a sense of Betancourts life, from her upbringing, her mother being very nvolved in the government, and the plight of children. The threats made to Ingrid when she was running for President, causing her to send her two children to France, to live with their father, her ex-husband. Her capture and imprisonment by FARC, six long years before she and others held captive were rescued. We also get a keen sense of her devotion to her country, and the way this government works, or doesn't.
Now back to what bothered me. I didn't much like her, her self rightousness and constant refrain of how beyond corruption she was, became repetitive, self indulgent. Even her capture could have been avoided had she just listened, but she thought she knew better. Of course other readers may not feel this way, and much of it is interesting and informative. I looked on WIKi to see where she is now, as this book ended quite a few years ago. You can do the same, makes for interesting reading, maybe more so than this book.
June 24, 2008
A moving,inspiring, and hopeful memoir written by an amazing and charasmatic Colombian woman, Ingrid Betancourt, who has sacrificed herself on every level (including physically) in the hopes of bringing peace and justice to Colombia; a country who has been through hell and back, but whose people have never lost their endearing spirit, unwavering patriotism, and the dream of peace. I know this because my mother is one of them. I found myself riding a wave of emotions as I relived the struggles she faced both as a mother as well as a political activist who faught relentlessly against corruption. This memoir is a testimony of her strength, courage and determination--traits which I pray have not left her today as she was recently rescued from years of being held captive by the guerrilla somewhere deep in the jungles of my beloved country, Colombia. I hope that she runs for the president for she surely is capable and would win without question :)
November 4, 2017
Het boek geeft een goed beeld van de corrupte toestanden in Colombia. Ja, corruptie is inherent aan macht en machtsuitoefenig en is dus moeilijk te veranderen of uit te roeien. Dat blijkt ook weer in dit boek.
Ingrid Bétancourt's schrijftrant is boeiend. Ik heb nog 2 boeken van haar liggen en ga die hier gelijk achteraan lezen.
Ingrid Bétancourt's schrijftrant is boeiend. Ik heb nog 2 boeken van haar liggen en ga die hier gelijk achteraan lezen.
June 4, 2009
Ingrid Betancourt does a stunning job portraying Colombian society and political situations through clear, straight-forward tones. Her memoir is filled with insight to what made her the strong politician she became and the cultural context in which the corruption in Colomnbia grew. She puts a human face on inhuman circumstances, and makes the key players in Colombia's history come to life through her point of views. There is also an element of humor throughout the book- Ingrid won her first campaign by throwing around condoms. She is an excellent example of what one person can grow to stand for. Ingrid was taken into captivity shortly after the book was published, and was rescued in 2008. A must read for anyone interested in cultures and politics, however the end does end up sounding rather like a political campaign, and you have to wonder exactly HOW honest this book is. It was written prior to her hostage situation.
January 2, 2008
Not terribly well written; more like a really long election pamphlet, which I guess it is, considering when it was published. Provides a nice, simple rundown of how politics (don't) work in Colombia, though it would have been nice if she had dug a little deeper. I guess my biggest problem is that I'm skeptical of the blindly idealistic: I wonder if blind idealism can exist without underlying motives, and; blind idealism is often accompanied by an arrogance that puts the blindly idealistic into positions where carrying out their ideals is compromised or impossible.
That said, the woman has courage, which will hopefully hold her through until she, and those she is being held in captivity with, are (hopefully, hopefully, hopefully) freed. In light of recent events, that may be a while, but let's hope idealism and pragmatism meet to make it happen.
That said, the woman has courage, which will hopefully hold her through until she, and those she is being held in captivity with, are (hopefully, hopefully, hopefully) freed. In light of recent events, that may be a while, but let's hope idealism and pragmatism meet to make it happen.
December 11, 2024
Impressionnée par l’énergie que cette femme, animée par la rage et la colère, déploye dans ce combat pour la justice pour son peuple, et tout ce dont elle est capable de faire comme sacrifice pour son pays.
October 22, 2020
Livre intéressant qui nous plonge dans une culture politique différente, corrompue, alliée aux mafias puissantes, prête à tout même au meurtre pour gagner et conserver des avantages. Ingrid Betancourt revient sur son parcours, depuis l'enfance très favorisée à Paris jusqu'au retour en Colombie. Comme elle tient la plume, il est intéressant de lire d'autres sources, IB étant décrite comme l'unique personne intègre.
Ce n'est pas littéraire, et une lecture qui demande un certain effort, voire quelques recherches complémentaires.
Ingrid Betancourt explains how she decided to become a political activist in Colombia.
Ce n'est pas littéraire, et une lecture qui demande un certain effort, voire quelques recherches complémentaires.
Ingrid Betancourt explains how she decided to become a political activist in Colombia.
September 5, 2013
Ingrid Betancourt is a courageous dedicated woman and her life proves it. Against all odds she triumphs but there is so much more that she wants to do for her country, Columbia. If you want to read about a strong woman you will be amazed by this story.
May 24, 2013
Such a good book. Simple, clear writing. Gave me my first real insight into Colombia, and why it was the way it was/is. She's such an inspiration.
January 4, 2012
I've always had conflicting feelings about Ingrid Betancourt. Of course her fight against corruption, against the drug lords who (seem to) finance the majority of the country's politicians, against electoral fraud, etc are all very worthy causes and I don't question Betancourt's motivations. What bothers me is that, from the very beginning (when she first ran to get elected as a Congress representative), the media (at least the French media) have been trying to make a saint of Betancourt and turn her into the "savior" of Colombia. It's as if there was only one opinion to be had about her and that criticizing her or her methods was forbidden, as if there was only one side to her story. I feel this has been further accentuated ever since Betancourt has been held hostage by the FARCs: for example, her family, whenever interviewed, seem to be waging a personal war on current President of Colombia Álvaro Uribe and the media just don't give us enough information as to why that is. Once again, we seem to be hearing only one part of the story and some information seems to be withheld from the general public. The involvement of Betancourt's parents in Colombia's political life in never mentioned in the media, which I find truly amazing, as it gives a very different outlook on her motiviations and struggle. Were it not for this book, I would never have known Betancourt's parents had been prominent political figures in Colombia!
I was also surprised to find little mention of the FARCs in this book, which was written only a year before Betancourt's capture. While doing some research on the subject, I came accross an interesting review for this book, which can be read here (you might have to register to be able to read the review).
The writing is a bit superficial, shallow, not to say quite poor at times. I wonder whether this has to do with the English translation or if this is a problem with the original version also.
I was also surprised to find little mention of the FARCs in this book, which was written only a year before Betancourt's capture. While doing some research on the subject, I came accross an interesting review for this book, which can be read here (you might have to register to be able to read the review).
The writing is a bit superficial, shallow, not to say quite poor at times. I wonder whether this has to do with the English translation or if this is a problem with the original version also.
July 24, 2014
Έχω διαβάσει πολλές αντικρουόμενες απόψεις για το χαρακτήρα της Μπετανκούρ κι ομολογώ ότι αυτό το βιβλίο το διάβασα με σκεπτικισμό. Μου άρεσε, με κράτησε, η γερουσιαστής γράφει καλά, ουσιαστικά και καίρια. Μέσα από το κείμενό της γνώρισα μια Κολομβία που δεν ήξερα ότι ήταν τόσο διεφθαρμένη, τόσο σάπια, μια χώρα όπου κυριαρχεί και ηγείται η Μαφία και τα καρτέλ ναρκωτικών, όπου δεν υπάρχει προσωπική πρωτοβουλία, όπου ο λαός χαλιναγωγείται από την τηλεόραση και τα καλώς πλασμένα και αληθοφανή "τεκμήρια" που παρουσιάζει αυτή κατά καιρούς.
Η Μπετανκούρ αφηγείται τα πιαδικά της χρόνια, τους δύο δεσμούς της με αντίστοιχους συζύγους αλλά κυρίως και περισσότερο τον αγώνα της να αντισταθεί σε αυτήν τη διαφθορά, να παλέψει για τη διαφάνεια και να φωτίσει αθέατες πλευρές των κυβερνήσεων, όχι γιατί είναι κατά της διαφθοράς μόνο αλλά και γιατί τα χρήματα που εμπλέκονται σε νοθείες, εκβιασμούς, λαθρεμπόριο θα μπορούσαν να βελτιώσουν τη ζωή χιλιάδων φτωχών οικογενειών της Κολομβίας που πεθαίνουν από πείνα και στερήσεις και έχουν πάψει να ελπίζουν και να ονειρεύονται. Αντικειμενικά (;) η Μπετανκούρ καταγράφει όλες τις παγίδες που της στήσανε και όλα τα εμπόδια που συνάντησε στη σταυροφορία της για μια καλύτερη Κολομβία και την επιτυχία της να εκλεγεί γερουσιαστής. Δεν πρόλαβε όμως να κάνει κάτι ως γερουσιαστής γιατί απήχθη από αντάρτες (απελευθερώθηκε το 2008 και η εμπειρία της γράφτηκε σε νέο βιβλίο).
Από την άλλη όμως, μια γυναίκα που μεγάλωσε χωρίς στερήσεις και σε αριστοκρατικά σχολεία δύσκολα θα αφοσιωθεί αφιλοκερδώς σε έναν αγώνα τέτοιου μεγέθους και έντασης, κρατώ όμως την πρόταση που έλεγε συνέχεια ο πατέρας της στη συγγραφέα: το ότι ανατράφηκες έτσι άνετα το χρωστάς στην Κολομβία και πρέπει να της το ανταποδώσεις, οπότε μια τέτοια γαλουχία σίγουρα δε βοηθά να αναπτυχθεί τυχόν κομπασμός, έπαρση κλπ. Κι όμως έχω διαβάσει και για τέτοιες εκδηλώσεις του χαρακτήρα της.
Τέλος πάντων, ο άνθρωπος είναι πάντα σύνθετη προσωπικότητα, οπότε το βιβλίο το συστήνω σε όσους θέλουν να γνωρίσουν μια άλλη Κολομβία και για όσους ενδιαφέρονται για καλογραμμένα απομνημονεύματα.
Η Μπετανκούρ αφηγείται τα πιαδικά της χρόνια, τους δύο δεσμούς της με αντίστοιχους συζύγους αλλά κυρίως και περισσότερο τον αγώνα της να αντισταθεί σε αυτήν τη διαφθορά, να παλέψει για τη διαφάνεια και να φωτίσει αθέατες πλευρές των κυβερνήσεων, όχι γιατί είναι κατά της διαφθοράς μόνο αλλά και γιατί τα χρήματα που εμπλέκονται σε νοθείες, εκβιασμούς, λαθρεμπόριο θα μπορούσαν να βελτιώσουν τη ζωή χιλιάδων φτωχών οικογενειών της Κολομβίας που πεθαίνουν από πείνα και στερήσεις και έχουν πάψει να ελπίζουν και να ονειρεύονται. Αντικειμενικά (;) η Μπετανκούρ καταγράφει όλες τις παγίδες που της στήσανε και όλα τα εμπόδια που συνάντησε στη σταυροφορία της για μια καλύτερη Κολομβία και την επιτυχία της να εκλεγεί γερουσιαστής. Δεν πρόλαβε όμως να κάνει κάτι ως γερουσιαστής γιατί απήχθη από αντάρτες (απελευθερώθηκε το 2008 και η εμπειρία της γράφτηκε σε νέο βιβλίο).
Από την άλλη όμως, μια γυναίκα που μεγάλωσε χωρίς στερήσεις και σε αριστοκρατικά σχολεία δύσκολα θα αφοσιωθεί αφιλοκερδώς σε έναν αγώνα τέτοιου μεγέθους και έντασης, κρατώ όμως την πρόταση που έλεγε συνέχεια ο πατέρας της στη συγγραφέα: το ότι ανατράφηκες έτσι άνετα το χρωστάς στην Κολομβία και πρέπει να της το ανταποδώσεις, οπότε μια τέτοια γαλουχία σίγουρα δε βοηθά να αναπτυχθεί τυχόν κομπασμός, έπαρση κλπ. Κι όμως έχω διαβάσει και για τέτοιες εκδηλώσεις του χαρακτήρα της.
Τέλος πάντων, ο άνθρωπος είναι πάντα σύνθετη προσωπικότητα, οπότε το βιβλίο το συστήνω σε όσους θέλουν να γνωρίσουν μια άλλη Κολομβία και για όσους ενδιαφέρονται για καλογραμμένα απομνημονεύματα.
December 16, 2008
"Deus quer, o Homem sonha e a obra nasce" parece ser o mote deste livro onde o empenho e uma extrema força de vontade parecem conseguir mover de
facto o mundo.
Trata-se de uma autobiografia política da Ingrid Betancourt, escrita pouco tempo antes do seu rapto pelas FARC (Forças Armadas Revolucionárias da Colômbia), onde relata a sua entrada na vida política colombiana - impelida pelo sua amor a este país sul-americano - e a sua luta contra o poder corrupto instalado, este sempre de mãos dadas com os cartéis de droga.
Um relato que impressiona pela carácter e pela força de vontade de uma pessoa que tinha tudo para viver a sua vida em família num verdadeiro clima de paz, num paraíso turístico, mas que resolve sacrificar tudo isto pela defesa de um ideal político.
Com uma escrita bastante fluída, e sem qualquer tipo de constrangimentos - facto que incomodou profundamente o anterior presidente colombiano Ernesto Samper, um dos principais visados neste relato - Ingrid Betancourt põe a nu os podres políticos de um país que então vivia resignada a sua sorte, convencida que nada já havia a fazer (será que ainda será assim?).
O livro termina ainda antes de Ingrid Betancourt assumir a sua candidatura à presidência da Colômbia, mas será precisamente este livro que acabaria por pesar significativamente, e de forma negativa, na sua campanha eleitoral uma vez que o clima de corrupção nele relatado foi visto como desprestigiante para o país, facto fortemente criticado pelos opositores políticos.
facto o mundo.
Trata-se de uma autobiografia política da Ingrid Betancourt, escrita pouco tempo antes do seu rapto pelas FARC (Forças Armadas Revolucionárias da Colômbia), onde relata a sua entrada na vida política colombiana - impelida pelo sua amor a este país sul-americano - e a sua luta contra o poder corrupto instalado, este sempre de mãos dadas com os cartéis de droga.
Um relato que impressiona pela carácter e pela força de vontade de uma pessoa que tinha tudo para viver a sua vida em família num verdadeiro clima de paz, num paraíso turístico, mas que resolve sacrificar tudo isto pela defesa de um ideal político.
Com uma escrita bastante fluída, e sem qualquer tipo de constrangimentos - facto que incomodou profundamente o anterior presidente colombiano Ernesto Samper, um dos principais visados neste relato - Ingrid Betancourt põe a nu os podres políticos de um país que então vivia resignada a sua sorte, convencida que nada já havia a fazer (será que ainda será assim?).
O livro termina ainda antes de Ingrid Betancourt assumir a sua candidatura à presidência da Colômbia, mas será precisamente este livro que acabaria por pesar significativamente, e de forma negativa, na sua campanha eleitoral uma vez que o clima de corrupção nele relatado foi visto como desprestigiante para o país, facto fortemente criticado pelos opositores políticos.
Read
May 29, 2008In following the FARC, you can't help but feel for the families of those held hostage. In an attempt to make Betancourt more human, I read her autobiography. I enjoyed her book and I think she truthfully conveys the struggle within her to follow in her parents footsteps and make Colombia a better place and to live a safer life for her children. I think I wouldn't be giving much away to tell you that she ultimately chooses to return to Colombia and fight corruption, making her first and enemy of the government, then the traffickers and most recently and unfortunately the FARC.
It pleased me to know that Betancourt did make some progress in bettering Colombia and could have made more had she not been taken hostage by the FARC in 2002. I can only hope that she is released soon to see those family members who are made so real in this book.
For those who want some additional context:
Kidnapped on February 23, 2002, Betancourt has become an international symbol in the struggle for liberty and the fight against barbarity. Before being captured by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), she was a voice of hope for the Colombian people, leading a courageous fight against political corruption, violence, and illegal detentions.
It pleased me to know that Betancourt did make some progress in bettering Colombia and could have made more had she not been taken hostage by the FARC in 2002. I can only hope that she is released soon to see those family members who are made so real in this book.
For those who want some additional context:
Kidnapped on February 23, 2002, Betancourt has become an international symbol in the struggle for liberty and the fight against barbarity. Before being captured by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), she was a voice of hope for the Colombian people, leading a courageous fight against political corruption, violence, and illegal detentions.
July 24, 2008
Colombia
I have to process this a bit more before I finish (ahem, start) the review.
A thought before I review the book;
I think she really wanted to change Colombian politics.
I knew very little of her before I was given this book about two years ago. I knew she was a maverick politician, but knowing what Latin American politics are like I thought that it was a fly by night thing or that again folks are deluded in a great hope for someone to make happen the MASSIVE changes that need t be made.
I want to like this book more than I did, and I am not quite sure why I feel this way. I like the prose, you can tell it was originally written in another language (I believe it was translated from French), which is a completely different way of speaking and therefore it reads differetnly too. But perhaps that is the thing, it was originally in French. I am sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation but that fact just sits in my head with a question mark and not even a simple enough reason enters my mind... unless it was to garner French support for presidental election.
My favorite part of this book is her mother, I want ot meet this woman, and all the more so since she handled Ingrids captivity so gracefully.
I have to process this a bit more before I finish (ahem, start) the review.
A thought before I review the book;
I think she really wanted to change Colombian politics.
I knew very little of her before I was given this book about two years ago. I knew she was a maverick politician, but knowing what Latin American politics are like I thought that it was a fly by night thing or that again folks are deluded in a great hope for someone to make happen the MASSIVE changes that need t be made.
I want to like this book more than I did, and I am not quite sure why I feel this way. I like the prose, you can tell it was originally written in another language (I believe it was translated from French), which is a completely different way of speaking and therefore it reads differetnly too. But perhaps that is the thing, it was originally in French. I am sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation but that fact just sits in my head with a question mark and not even a simple enough reason enters my mind... unless it was to garner French support for presidental election.
My favorite part of this book is her mother, I want ot meet this woman, and all the more so since she handled Ingrids captivity so gracefully.
April 9, 2010
I bought this book (in paperback, for $20 at an airport) because the cover says "Kidnapped February 23, 2002, Rescued July 2, 2008." Then on the back cover, in large letters, at the top, it says Betancourt "was kidnapped by leftist guerillas. She was their prisoner for more than six years. Until now." So it seemed quite fair to assume the book was about her being kidnapped. No. It is not. It is essentially an election/political rant against her opponents. This is not the book that was advertised by the cover and the text on the cover. I read until page 172 out of 228 until I finally couldn't take the propaganda anymore. She is certainly a strong and interesting person, but the story in this book was not the story I wanted to read. The publisher should change the packaging of the book to reflect what it really is.
February 3, 2016
This book reads not only as an autobiography, but also as a political testament from a truly courageous woman. No matter what your political leanings or philosophy may be, you have to be impressed with Betancourt's integrity and character. Reading this book has given me an interest into why Colombia is in the dire straits that it's in today.
Ingrid Betancourt's quest for a peaceful, reformed Colombia may seem quixotic. But it is reassuring to know that there are politicians like her in the world. Let us hope that she will be freed unharmed so that she can again stand up for what Colombia needs today: peace, stability, progress, and social justice.
[I FINISHED READING THIS BOOK ON June 12th, 2003. Since that time, Ingrid Betancourt has thankfully been freed and lives now in France.]
Ingrid Betancourt's quest for a peaceful, reformed Colombia may seem quixotic. But it is reassuring to know that there are politicians like her in the world. Let us hope that she will be freed unharmed so that she can again stand up for what Colombia needs today: peace, stability, progress, and social justice.
[I FINISHED READING THIS BOOK ON June 12th, 2003. Since that time, Ingrid Betancourt has thankfully been freed and lives now in France.]
December 29, 2012
I read this book in less than 24hrs-- it was that good and interesting. It was more of a historical account of the Colombian gov't from an insiders view within the 1980's and 90's. i picked up the book thinking it was a book about Ms. Betancourt's time of captivity within the FARC and the aftermath: it was not.
However i am not disappointed because it helped me gain a great understanding of Colombia's troubles and how it has been slowly overcoming its obstacles. Like Ms. Betancourt, i too have hope Colombia will be the great country it can be.
I just wonder, what has she been doing to keep contributing to these efforts: after reading i have gained much admiration and respect to her cause.
However i am not disappointed because it helped me gain a great understanding of Colombia's troubles and how it has been slowly overcoming its obstacles. Like Ms. Betancourt, i too have hope Colombia will be the great country it can be.
I just wonder, what has she been doing to keep contributing to these efforts: after reading i have gained much admiration and respect to her cause.
April 16, 2016
This book reads not only as an autobiography, but also as a political testament from a truly courageous woman. No matter what your political leanings or philosophy may be, you have to be impressed with Betancourt's integrity and character. Reading this book has given me an interest into why Colombia is in the dire straits that it's in today.
Ingrid Betancourt's quest for a peaceful, reformed Colombia may seem quixotic. But it is reassuring to know that there are politicians like her in the world. Let us hope that she will be freed unharmed so that she can again stand up for what Colombia needs today: peace, stability, progress, and social justice. (Review originally written June 12, 2003)
Ingrid Betancourt's quest for a peaceful, reformed Colombia may seem quixotic. But it is reassuring to know that there are politicians like her in the world. Let us hope that she will be freed unharmed so that she can again stand up for what Colombia needs today: peace, stability, progress, and social justice. (Review originally written June 12, 2003)
July 5, 2008
Held by FARC guerilla's since 2002, this Colombian politician is an extraordinary, unique, woman. (Last photo of her was released November 2007). Used as a political hostage,there is some hope for her release..however, as others have been freed, she remains captive as a "high ranking" hostage. No current knowledge of her status...Her book reads like a gutsy survivors tale and I hope it ends the same. If you want to effect change in Colombian Politics, you are aware that you may very well pay for it with your life. UPDATE: Adrien was rescued as reported in the New York Times,July 3, 2008...After six years in captivity..thank God she is now free. Incredible..
November 5, 2010
I finished the book with a cursory understanding Colombian politics during the years leading up to and following the slaying of drug trafficker Pablo Escobar in 1993. She described her gilded early years and her eventual decision to leave her life as a French diplomat's wife to return to Colombia to become involved in politics. Betancourt drove home the necessity of Columbia to rid itself of corruption and mafia influence and of her involvement in enabling reforms such as extradition. This book seemed like a bright vehicle, highlighting her energy and seemingly selfless idealism for her campaign for presidency.
September 29, 2008
This is an AMAZING story about love for one's country and the determination, commitment and passion Ingrid Betancourt has to follow through with her dream of a better Columbia for her people, for her children. She set out on a mission alone to fight corruption even when her environment was saturated by very crooked politicians, she still fought the good fight even when threats made to her life and the lives of her children. She is truly heroic and a wonderful writer, I highly recommend this book!! The world can benefit with more people like her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2008
I read this book about 4 years ago and was heart broken upon finishing the book to learn that Ingrid Betancourt had been kidnapped by the FARC and hadn't been heard from in 3 years. So I was so excited when she and 14 other prisoners (including 3 Americans) were rescued from captivity a few months ago. I'm hoping that she'll write another book, but I decided to re-read her first autobiography just to refresh my memory. Ingrid Betancourt is an amazingly heroic woman and one of my heroes. Her book is quite inspiring and I recommend it to everyone.
January 27, 2011
I happened on this book by accident while Sam and I were on vacation in Vancouver and I'm glad I did, I've since read to others about the plight of Ingrid and those with her in captivity.
Another strong, strong (even stubborn) woman. All I can say is people like her can change the world, Colombia is not a place I would be willing to wage any battle (YIKES!) but Ingrid does to her own peril...
A little heavy on the political stuff but I like that sort of thing, you can see what makes the world go round if you know what I mean. It's complicated down there in Colombia and scary!
Another strong, strong (even stubborn) woman. All I can say is people like her can change the world, Colombia is not a place I would be willing to wage any battle (YIKES!) but Ingrid does to her own peril...
A little heavy on the political stuff but I like that sort of thing, you can see what makes the world go round if you know what I mean. It's complicated down there in Colombia and scary!
July 7, 2011
I loved learning more about politics in Colombia, South America through the experiences of Ingrid Betancourt. Although I admire her dedication to her country, I found myself questioning some of her personal life decisions as they related to her political aspirations. I wish I would have read this book FIRST and then read OUT OF CAPTIVITY. She plays a part in the second book and I would have liked to understand her a bit more before reading about what happens a few years later.
July 14, 2018
For anyone with an interest in Colombia, this is a fascinating and up-close look at Colombian politics in the 1990s. It recounts Betancourt's political career prior to her kidnapping by the FARC, which is described in her later book Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years of Captivity in the Colombian Jungle.
June 23, 2023
Το είχα διαβάσει πάλι το 2004 και θυμάμαι το είχα λατρέψει και είχα πάθει σοκ από τη διαφθορά (πόσο αθώα ήμουν τότε!)
Το ξαναδιαβασα μετά από 20 περίπου χρόνια και το βρήκα μια ενδιαφέρουσα τοποθέτηση στη πολιτική ζωή της Κολομβίας. Τρόμαξα πραγματικά με το κουράγιο της να βγει και να φωνάξει, καταδωσει και να ονοματισει διεφθαρμένους.
Δεν σφύζει από λογοτεχνικότητα, αλλά ορθωνει μια φωνή διαμαρτυρίας στους πουλημενους και διεφθαρμένους πολιτικούς.
Μπράβο της για το κουράγιο της.
Το ξαναδιαβασα μετά από 20 περίπου χρόνια και το βρήκα μια ενδιαφέρουσα τοποθέτηση στη πολιτική ζωή της Κολομβίας. Τρόμαξα πραγματικά με το κουράγιο της να βγει και να φωνάξει, καταδωσει και να ονοματισει διεφθαρμένους.
Δεν σφύζει από λογοτεχνικότητα, αλλά ορθωνει μια φωνή διαμαρτυρίας στους πουλημενους και διεφθαρμένους πολιτικούς.
Μπράβο της για το κουράγιο της.
August 27, 2008
The author of this book and a politician, Ingrid, got released some months ago after being taken as a hostage by FARC for 6 years. This great news made me want to read what was written by her. The book is a real page-turner, and you'll be amazed to see how she fought against conventional political corruption with her own personal touch.
November 26, 2008
"Socialism is a heroic batlle with the problems not known in any other system".This book is another example. Ingrid dedicated her life to fight the corruption. Eliminate the causes and you wouldn'thave to worry about the effects, but I have to give her a lot of credit.Amazing courage, perseverance, integrity, loyalty. Brave,stand alone fighter.
June 5, 2011
Ingrid Belancourt is a lady with deep passion to change the corrupt ways of the government leaders of Columbia. Since a young age, she has loved listening to her parents and friends talk about Columbia's government and the needs of the people. This book is a true account of what Ingrid experienced as she struggled to make Columbia a better place.
November 23, 2017
This is a autobiography from a colombian politician who had ideas to change a corrupt government. But she was kidnapped for several years and just recently released in a stunning escape. An interesting book about a culture I didn't really know anything about.
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