Hear My Testimony: Maria Teresa Tula, Human Rights Activist of El Salvador

by Maria Teresa Tula

Following in the footsteps of Rigoberto Menchu, Maria Teresa Tula describes her childhood, marriage, and growing family as well as her political consciousness, activism, imprisonment and torture. The human side of the civil war in El Salvador and decades of repression come to the fore in this woman's tale of extraordinary courage and ordinary labor.

Genres: School, Nonfiction, College, History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Tania Canales]

I place to see to see the are pepo have read my mom book, I have not read the book yet, because I am part of the book. I just want to mention the everything my mom went truth; I cannot even distrait wat may have to Sofer by bang activist for the Human Rights in El Salvador. I remember very well, because for the airless 80' we ready warned suffering persecution. To be honest, I don't sink ever I will ready the book, a Hert my heart. A took me all these years, to said or mention son ting for my mom book.
And yes, Helen Cintya and Rafael Have 2 boys And My mom doping wonderful.

[Kimberlyyyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal testimony!

I read this as part of my research on The Salvadoran Civil War & Female agency within the civil war. Maria Teresa Tula's story is one of many that I have learned from and I am honored to have been able to hear her testimony.

To hear about the incredible work she did for the CO-MADRES and hear all that she endured, and continue to be a voice for Salvadoran women was admirable.

Maria doesn't only talk about what she endured but she goes on to share what we should all be doing to help El Salvador. The book touches upon a variety of different components regarding the war and does a great job in doing so.

One topic she touches upon that really struck me was this concept of being viewed as entertainment in the US despite her being a victim of its abuse. It's saddening to see that marginalized voices and victims of the U.S. government are still viewed as spectacles today.

I encourage everyone to read this book, I think it's voices like Maria Teresa Tula that deserve to be amplified. I truly have nothing but the utmost respect for her and wish for her story to be heard throughout history.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is incredible what women and men went through and are still going through in these troubling times.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was required reading for an anthropology class in college a few years back, and for that I am thankful or I may have otherwise never come across this treasure. When it arrived in the mail from Amazon, I picked it up and flew through the first few chapters, immediately captivated, and well before it was even time to start reading for class.

Maria Teresa Tula's story - her life - is one of fantastically horrible tragedy, as well as expressions of human compassion and bonding; she uses the term "companero" and "companera" to describe life partners, refers to solidarity, etc. throughout the book. Tula articulates important chapters of her life in a way that captures your attention, keeps the story moving, and helps you understand the big picture of the war in El Salvador that raged for decades.

Reading her story, and the history in general, has imprinted something on my soul... I cannot explain it, but I was deeply moved and forever changed by her words. I highly recommend this book.

*NOTE: Due to some graphic descriptions/content, and overall heavy material, I would not advise this as reading for a younger audience. Also note there are possible triggers of sexual violence.*

Ps - There is also a movie based on the book, I forget the name of it, but it is also a very powerful visual and a great companion following the book. I still sometimes hum "des colores" to myself, as the nuns sing it in the film. <3

[Molly Kellogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring.