The Silence and the Scorpion

by Brian Nelson

On April 11, 2002, nearly a million Venezuelans marched on the presidential palace to demand the resignation of President Hugo Chavez. Led by Pedro Carmona and Carlos Ortega, the opposition represented a cross-section of society furious with Chavez’s economic policies, specifically his mishandling of the Venezuelan oil industry. But as the day progressed the march turned violent, sparking a military revolt that led to the temporary ousting of Chavez. Over the ensuing, turbulent seventy-two hours, Venezuelans would confront the deep divisions within their society and ultimately decide the best course for their country —and its oil—in the new century. An exemplary piece of narrative journalism, The Silence and the Scorpion provides rich insight into the complexities of modern Venezuela.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, The Americas

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

BRIAN NELSON is a former Fulbright Scholar who holds degrees in international relations, economics, and creative writing (fiction). His first book, The Silence and the Scorpion: The Coup against Chávez and the Making of Modern Venezuela, was named one of the Best Books of 2009 by The Economist. His work has appeared in The Virginia Quarterly Review, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Southern Humanities Review, among others. He lives in Colorado with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silence and the Scorpion is a "clocked" account of what happened, where, to whom, and by whom during the massacre of April 11; an event which resulted in the temporary ousting of President Hugo Chavez in 2002.

The author, a confessed Chavista at first, travelled to the country he considered his second home to try to document what the government did its best to hide (and he did so with a refreshing style that makes you think you're reading an novel instead).

Unfortunately, the horrific tale narrated in this book is not a fable, but a fact.

I read in another review that the "title of the book" reflects that the book is not exactly balanced, but as far as I remember, Nelson did "not" come up with the scorpion analogy. The scorpion and the frog analogy came out during an interview with one of Chavez's generals and he simply quoted it. Besides, there are enough testimonies from the Chavista perspective to help keep the book balanced. In their defense; however, I must admit that it was obvious that this book wasn't written by a Chavista (for the simple fact that Hugo Chavez was not glorified as a greater-than-life deity of human compassion and utter perfection).

Despite having been a supporter and despite "wanting" to believe Chavez's claims of US involvement (which is the type of story Nelson was apparently after), the author did his best to document what happened; and the facts themselves led him to conclude that he could no longer sympathize with the Venezuelan government. It is always clear when what you're reading is opinion, fact or testimony, so it's unfair to imply that this book is trying to persuade the reader in any way.

The amount of details described in the shootings was shocking, and you'll be glad to read the testimonies of the actual players who participated in the events, including members of Chavez's inner circle (before they were silenced). Most of them have now been incarcerated, forced to live in exile, disappeared . . . and that includes many of those who actually helped bring Chavez back, so we won't get another chance at hearing what they have to say.

Making The Silence and the Scorpion was a superb work of journalism that Venezuelans needed desperately since they had no "truth commission" to investigate what really happened. On top of that, the government only helped the families of Chavista victims. The opposition families had no one to represent them, no one to enforce justice, and no one to tell their story to that would care to listen.

This book is perhaps (and quite sadly) as much justice as they'll ever get.

If you care about Venezuela at all, do yourself a favor and read it.

[Michael Pankrast · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book - it gives various accounts of the 2002 peaceful march against Chavez in which he ordered violence against the march. As the military leaders saw it as a violation of human rights, they withdrew their support of Chavez, leaving him impotent. He lost power for three days, in which he was replaced by a wealthy business man who grabbed power in a dictator-esque fashion, which then lost him power over the military. Chavez was reinstated as President and then went on to rewrite the historical account of the coup. He also consolidated considerable power that he still wields today. An amazing book - a non-biased account (told by Chavistas and anti-chavistas alike). READ THIS to understand the historical and current political/social climate of Venezuela.

[Shane McClendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Ivan Ciriaco-Useche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esclarecedor relato de los acontecimientos que partieron la historia de la Venezuela contemporánea y sobre los cuales parece no existir un balance objetivo. De lo que deduce el autor -entusiasta prochavista al inicio de su exploración investigativa- en Abril de 2002 hubo: 1) Una matanza ordenada por Hugo Chávez y sus grupos de choque, 2) Una conspiración para derrocar al gobierno hecha en el aire y por personajes sin ninguna visión estratégica, 3) Una división imposible de salvar entre quienes vieron pasmados a un gobierno capaz de matar por retener el Poder y a quienes a pesar de ello se convirtieron en sus más leales revolucionarios.

[Isabel Lara]

Excelente analisis de los sucesos del 11 de abril. Describe la euforia de la marcha, la confusion de esos dias, las oportunidades perdidas y lamentablemente el vacio de poder y las medidas extremas que alienaron a los sectores moderados y le dieron chance a Chavez de regresar.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book does have a bittersweet taste, even more after 22 years and with a country (now) in ruins, but at the same time it's an story that needs to be told, specifically since lies have become truths by being repeated so much.

[Jesús Luces · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un extraordinario trabajo periodístico. Imágenes, reportajes, memorias, testimonios, se unen para disponer de un acercamiento a los hechos que se sucedieron vertiginosamente en la Venezuela del 2002 durante la sacudida de Estado más oscura de lo que va del siglo XXI, tal vez, en América Latina.

[MdlA.- · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro nos recuerda a los venezolanos todo lo que bloqueamos en nuestra mente de la cruda realidad de nuestro país durante los hechos del 11 de abril. Personalmente, me ayudó incluso a conocer mejor el conflicto y los personajes involucrados, ver los hechos de una manera objetiva y reconocer los errores del oficialismo y la oposición. Hoy en día, entiendo mejor por qué el país se encuentra en tan deplorable situación. Recomiendo a todo venezolano leer este libro -independientemente del partido político con el que se identifique- para refrescar la memoria y aclarar su conciencia política. Lo recomiendo también a los extranjeros interesados en conocer la actualidad política venezolana.

[Rhonda Hankins]

This book gave me a vivid impression of the practicalities of a coup d'etat -- how some people get involved deliberately, others by accident; how some events unfold as planned, others just happen. I got a lot out of all the personal stories presented and appreciated the details of individuals. I found the inability of the military to agree AFTER the fact to be especially interesting since I often lump the military together and assume all branches agree. The format of this book gives a real sense of the chaos and fear and uncertainty that prevailed during these few days. This is a book I didn't want to stop reading.

[Kevin Kerber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was interested in learning more about Venezuela -particularly its modern economy - based on recent events. Couldn't find many books out there actually. This book focuses on a specific tragic story, but provides a lot of insights. Chavez was supposed to be the voice of the poor. But he turned out to be basically a militant socialist who also likely had no idea how to manage the economy, corruption, social programs, or political unrest.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

What originally seemed to be an organic confluence of anger and opportunity turns into something that appears meticulously planned right up to the point that one man swears himself in as president and the whole vaina becomes wonderfully, gloriously, and heartbreakingly Venezuelan.

[Boris Trucco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page-turner, this book is the timeline of the events leading to April 11th coup d'etat in Venezuela. A revealing, surprising and painstakingly researched story showing the forces that caused a major political crisis in Venezuela as a direct result of Hugo Chavez's delirious political agenda.

[Pedro-Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very impressive and well written book about the events that surrounded the coup.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

great inside view of early Chavez....