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Miguel Marmol
Miguel Mármol is the testimony of a revolutionary, as recorded by Salvadoran writer, Roque Dalton, which documents the historical and political events of El Salvador through the first decades of the 20th century. This Latin American classic describes the growth and development of the workers' movement and the communist party in El Salvador and Guatemala, and contains Mármol's impressions of post-revolutionary Russia in the twenties, describing in vivid detail the brutality and repression of the Martínez dictatorship and the reemergence of the workers' movement after Martínez was ousted. It also gives a broad and clear picture of the lives of the ordinary peasant and worker in Central America, their sufferings, their hopes and their struggles.
503 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
14 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Roque Dalton
68 books91 followersRoque Dalton was born on May 14, 1935, in San Salvador, El Salvador. His father was one of the members of the outlaw Dalton brothers and his mother was a registered nurse whose salary supported the family. After a year at the University of Santiago, Chile, Roque Dalton attended the University of San Salvador in 1956, where he helped found the University Literary Circle just before the Salvadoran military set fire to the building. The following year he joined the Communist Party; he was arrested in 1959 and 1960 for inciting students and peasants to revolt against the landowners. Dalton was sentenced to be executed, but his life was saved the day before his sentence was to be carried out, when the dictatorship of Colonel José María Lemus was overthrown. He spent 1961 in Mexican exile, writing many of the poems that were published in La Ventana en el rostro ("The Window in My Face," 1961) and El turno del ofendido ("The Injured Party's Turn," 1962). He dedicated the latter book to the Salvadoran police chief who had filed the charges against him.
From Mexico, Dalton naturally gravitated to Cuba, where he was well received by the Cuban and Latin American exiled writers who gathered in the Casa de las Américas. From that point on, starting with La Ventana en el rostro and El Mar ("The Sea") in 1962, almost all of his poetic work was published in Cuba. In the summer of 1965, he returned to El Salvador to continue his political work. Two months after his arrival, he was arrested, tortured, and again sentenced to execution. However, he managed to escape death once more when an earthquake shattered the outer wall of his cell, enabling him to dig his way out through the rubble.
He returned to Cuba and a few months later the Communist Party sent him to Prague as a correspondent for The International Review: Problems of Peace and Socialism. His book Taberna y ostros lugares ("Tavern and Other Places"), reflecting his long stay in Prague, won the Casa de las Américas poetry prize in 1969 and established Roque Dalton, at the age of thirty-four, as one of the best young poets in Latin America. In 1975, a military faction of the Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo (ERP), unjustly accused him of trying to divide their organization and condemned him to death. They executed him on May 10, 1975, four days before his fortieth birthday.
From Mexico, Dalton naturally gravitated to Cuba, where he was well received by the Cuban and Latin American exiled writers who gathered in the Casa de las Américas. From that point on, starting with La Ventana en el rostro and El Mar ("The Sea") in 1962, almost all of his poetic work was published in Cuba. In the summer of 1965, he returned to El Salvador to continue his political work. Two months after his arrival, he was arrested, tortured, and again sentenced to execution. However, he managed to escape death once more when an earthquake shattered the outer wall of his cell, enabling him to dig his way out through the rubble.
He returned to Cuba and a few months later the Communist Party sent him to Prague as a correspondent for The International Review: Problems of Peace and Socialism. His book Taberna y ostros lugares ("Tavern and Other Places"), reflecting his long stay in Prague, won the Casa de las Américas poetry prize in 1969 and established Roque Dalton, at the age of thirty-four, as one of the best young poets in Latin America. In 1975, a military faction of the Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo (ERP), unjustly accused him of trying to divide their organization and condemned him to death. They executed him on May 10, 1975, four days before his fortieth birthday.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 5, 2020
For a fuller appreciation of the conditions of life that require study of imperialism, colonialism, Marxism, oppression, human suffering, to try to understand why people torture their own people, why such people side with invading countries like the US, a book such as the testimonial of Miguel Marmol is probaby not indispensible, but it sure helps.
October 3, 2014
just started this. only about 70 pages in but it is already fascinating, fast-moving. these are incredible events that miguel marmol describes as a young man growing out of poverty and moving toward leftist principles and into revolutionary action.
miguel marmol was one of the few survivors of the 1932 matanza, or massacre, of over 30,000 people after a failed uprising in the western highlands of el salvador.
this book is often called the first of its kind -- a testimonial, where the subject is given license to act as historian. this is done in an effort to give voice to and comprehend a sort of cultural and political inheritance and to acknowledge personal experience and the retelling of events as being just as critical to our understanding as the "objective facts".
this book might be best read in succession with "remembering the 1932 massacre of el salvador" -- a dry title for an amazingly researched and kind of startling book that refutes the claim that the 1932 uprising in el salvador was communist-inspired and gives abundant space and evidence to counter-claims that it that was an indigenous-led revolt. the implications for this revelation are enormous, especially as the right AND the left have propped up the political theory that the ongoing battle in el salvador is a war between communist and capitalist forces more than a struggle between indigenous people and colonialist thugs.
the book has a whole section about roque dalton and another section that describes his meetings with miguel marmol in preparation for this testimonial.
miguel marmol was one of the few survivors of the 1932 matanza, or massacre, of over 30,000 people after a failed uprising in the western highlands of el salvador.
this book is often called the first of its kind -- a testimonial, where the subject is given license to act as historian. this is done in an effort to give voice to and comprehend a sort of cultural and political inheritance and to acknowledge personal experience and the retelling of events as being just as critical to our understanding as the "objective facts".
this book might be best read in succession with "remembering the 1932 massacre of el salvador" -- a dry title for an amazingly researched and kind of startling book that refutes the claim that the 1932 uprising in el salvador was communist-inspired and gives abundant space and evidence to counter-claims that it that was an indigenous-led revolt. the implications for this revelation are enormous, especially as the right AND the left have propped up the political theory that the ongoing battle in el salvador is a war between communist and capitalist forces more than a struggle between indigenous people and colonialist thugs.
the book has a whole section about roque dalton and another section that describes his meetings with miguel marmol in preparation for this testimonial.
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November 29, 2007read it when I was devouring anything by and about el salvador....
February 6, 2021
"The dogs made out like bandits digging up corpses whose murderers had barely covered them with a thin layer of dirt, since there was no time to dig deep graves - they had to keep up the killing. The vultures were the best fed creatures of the year in El Salvador, they were fat, with shiny feathers like never before and, fortunately, never since." ~ Miguel Mármol, on 1932.
Imagine sitting down with your grandpa every night and listening to him tell you about his life, from birth till age 45. That is what reading this book is like, only your grandpa is an indigenous shoemaker born into poverty in rural El Salvador in 1905 and would spend practically all of his adult life, even into his 80s, as a communist revolutionary evading near-constant persecution.
His description of La Matanza, the massacre of '32, was alone worth reading this book. It is one thing to read sterile facts about an event, and it is another thing to view it through the eyes of a person who was immersed in it--not just from a safe distance, from a position of privilege, or as a member of the ruling elite--but in the thick of it, on the ground, in the dirt. Mármol lived with the peasants and was friends with the martyrs like Feliciano Ama and Farabundo Martí. He was a labor organizer for years before 1932 and founded the Communist Party that would attempt the failed insurrection. He knew the army generals and policemen by name, and he was shot by one of their firing squads. And he would live through the aftermath of 1932, unemployed, going without food for weeks on end, finally making moonshine at a brothel to survive.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the life of Miguel Mármol, the history of communism in El Salvador, or even 20th century El Salvadoran history in general. Paragraphs can stretch on for a page or two, which annoyed me and may be frustrating if you are not interested in the subject matter, but I got used to it, especially since it is basically a transcription of an autobiographical monologue rather than a deliberately crafted book.
Imagine sitting down with your grandpa every night and listening to him tell you about his life, from birth till age 45. That is what reading this book is like, only your grandpa is an indigenous shoemaker born into poverty in rural El Salvador in 1905 and would spend practically all of his adult life, even into his 80s, as a communist revolutionary evading near-constant persecution.
His description of La Matanza, the massacre of '32, was alone worth reading this book. It is one thing to read sterile facts about an event, and it is another thing to view it through the eyes of a person who was immersed in it--not just from a safe distance, from a position of privilege, or as a member of the ruling elite--but in the thick of it, on the ground, in the dirt. Mármol lived with the peasants and was friends with the martyrs like Feliciano Ama and Farabundo Martí. He was a labor organizer for years before 1932 and founded the Communist Party that would attempt the failed insurrection. He knew the army generals and policemen by name, and he was shot by one of their firing squads. And he would live through the aftermath of 1932, unemployed, going without food for weeks on end, finally making moonshine at a brothel to survive.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the life of Miguel Mármol, the history of communism in El Salvador, or even 20th century El Salvadoran history in general. Paragraphs can stretch on for a page or two, which annoyed me and may be frustrating if you are not interested in the subject matter, but I got used to it, especially since it is basically a transcription of an autobiographical monologue rather than a deliberately crafted book.
June 15, 2009
¡Qué interesante este historia! Sobreviviente de su fusilamiento a las manos del aparato del estado durante el levantamiento de1932, Miguel Mármol es un personaje mítico salvadoreño. El libro es basado en una entrevista del Mármol con el autor, Roque Dalton en las sesenta y describió muchos de los sucesos históricos en los que participó Mármol, sus hazañas y tribulaciones, sus pensamientos y creencias. Aunque sean prolijas unas de las explicaciones de Mármol, es un buen libro para que sepamos un período importantísima en la historia de El Salvador por alguien quien lo vivió en carne propia.
This is a very interesting history. Survivor of a firing squad at the hands of the state during the uprising of 1932, Miguel Mármol is a mythic Salvadoran personage. The book is based on an interview with Mármol by the author, Roque Dalton in the 1960s and it describes many of the historical events in which Mármol participated, his adventures and tribulations, his thoughts and beliefs. Even though Marmól´s explanations may be long-winded at times, this is a good book for learning about a very important period in Salvadoran history by someone who was there and living it.
This is a very interesting history. Survivor of a firing squad at the hands of the state during the uprising of 1932, Miguel Mármol is a mythic Salvadoran personage. The book is based on an interview with Mármol by the author, Roque Dalton in the 1960s and it describes many of the historical events in which Mármol participated, his adventures and tribulations, his thoughts and beliefs. Even though Marmól´s explanations may be long-winded at times, this is a good book for learning about a very important period in Salvadoran history by someone who was there and living it.
September 2, 2020
Cuando escuchamos de una revolución, normalmente es en nuestra clase de historia o leyendo un libro que relata la historia desde una distancia. Miguel Mármol es una oportunidad única de mirar la revolución desde adentro: su gestación, sus razones, su represión, y sus consecuencias.
La historia es contada por Miguel Mármol, militante comunista que estuvo inmerso en la labor de escuchar al pueblo y organizarlo, y como consecuencia, fue perseguido, encarcelado, maltratado y fusilado (sin éxito). En su relato vemos un constante dialogo entre las horribles condiciones de pobreza y represión del Salvador y la acción política comunista que busca resolver estas condiciones para el bienestar del pueblo. Es una lectura que entristece y enoja, pero también inspira a confrontar estas injusticias.
Otra fortaleza de la exposición de Mármol es que el está equipado con fundamentos teóricos marxistas-leninistas que le permiten expresar las condiciones históricas que llevan a los eventos, la dialectica entre el gobierno y el pueblo, y hacer un detallado análisis de los éxitos y fracasos del movimiento, resultando sumamente educativo para cualquiera involucrado en algún movimiento organizativo.
Originalmente compré este libro por querer leer algo de Roque Daltón, y el autor brilló por su ausencia. Más que una crítica, es un elogio a sus habilidades periodisticas, que le permitieron relatar la historia de Mármol sin alterar ni interferir. El resultado es una narración que se siente como si estuvieramos sentados con Mármol al costado de una fogata.
Este es un libro único e importante que revela los horrores por los cuales millones de personas luchan para crear un mundo mejor. Me ayudó a conocer la historia de El Salvador y a mirar a los movimientos revolucionaros como nunca los había visto. Una referencia importante e inspiradora.
La historia es contada por Miguel Mármol, militante comunista que estuvo inmerso en la labor de escuchar al pueblo y organizarlo, y como consecuencia, fue perseguido, encarcelado, maltratado y fusilado (sin éxito). En su relato vemos un constante dialogo entre las horribles condiciones de pobreza y represión del Salvador y la acción política comunista que busca resolver estas condiciones para el bienestar del pueblo. Es una lectura que entristece y enoja, pero también inspira a confrontar estas injusticias.
Otra fortaleza de la exposición de Mármol es que el está equipado con fundamentos teóricos marxistas-leninistas que le permiten expresar las condiciones históricas que llevan a los eventos, la dialectica entre el gobierno y el pueblo, y hacer un detallado análisis de los éxitos y fracasos del movimiento, resultando sumamente educativo para cualquiera involucrado en algún movimiento organizativo.
Originalmente compré este libro por querer leer algo de Roque Daltón, y el autor brilló por su ausencia. Más que una crítica, es un elogio a sus habilidades periodisticas, que le permitieron relatar la historia de Mármol sin alterar ni interferir. El resultado es una narración que se siente como si estuvieramos sentados con Mármol al costado de una fogata.
Este es un libro único e importante que revela los horrores por los cuales millones de personas luchan para crear un mundo mejor. Me ayudó a conocer la historia de El Salvador y a mirar a los movimientos revolucionaros como nunca los había visto. Una referencia importante e inspiradora.
July 18, 2020
I came to this book knowing nothing of Salvadoran politics or history, and was not disappointed with how much I learned. The book is a long interview spanning days from Miguel Mármol relating his entire life, from poverty to forming the Salvadoran Communist Party and then his entire political career. It is miraculous that he survives his own execution, and how he continued to follow and form revolutionary coalitions after the fact anyway. I found it easy to read, with Mármol's voice strong and impactful. The situation in El Salvador in the 30's and 40's of people losing hope in their electoral process felt close to home, and the details of massive repression was jaw dropping.
I was satisfied from a historical view, but it is strange and unfortunate that not much else seems to be documented about Mármol other than this book, which may put some doubt on Mármol's claims and experiences. I do think Mármol was a dedicated person, but at times he seemed to be playing a superhero, who had a lot of lucky and coincidental experiences, and had a swift, "sassy" tongue to fight off his enemies. So who knows if he exaggerated or not, due to lack of any other resources (that I know of). Also, I found the majority of the last chapter out of place and rambling that didn't really belong in this book.
My other complaint is purely from a publishing point of view. The book seemed to have too many punctation and spelling errors for such an important narration.
Overall, I enjoyed learning about the Salvadoran communist struggle from a seemingly underrated man who survived it, and it encourages me to learn more.
I was satisfied from a historical view, but it is strange and unfortunate that not much else seems to be documented about Mármol other than this book, which may put some doubt on Mármol's claims and experiences. I do think Mármol was a dedicated person, but at times he seemed to be playing a superhero, who had a lot of lucky and coincidental experiences, and had a swift, "sassy" tongue to fight off his enemies. So who knows if he exaggerated or not, due to lack of any other resources (that I know of). Also, I found the majority of the last chapter out of place and rambling that didn't really belong in this book.
My other complaint is purely from a publishing point of view. The book seemed to have too many punctation and spelling errors for such an important narration.
Overall, I enjoyed learning about the Salvadoran communist struggle from a seemingly underrated man who survived it, and it encourages me to learn more.
October 25, 2012
La prosa en muchas partes de este libro es muy buena, pero padece de variaciones grandes de calidad. El libro tambien tiene algun valor historico, pero es precisamente en ese aspecto en el que yo siento que el libro falla. Roque parece haberse mantenido fiel a lo que Miguel Marmol le conto pero el problema es que este ultimo no parace ser muy confiable. No creo yo que este mintiendo pero un muchas partes la historia parece ser inconsistente y en otra el senior Marmol parece tener una tendencia muy marcada a exagerar. Ya desde hace varios meses habia querido leer el libro y desafortunadamente me decepciono, quizas esperaba mucho, o tenia esperanzas infundadas sobre lo que este iba a ser.
January 16, 2019
Miguel Marmol es el testimonio del holocausto salvadoreño en 1932, narrada en primera persona, producto de las sesiones que Roque sostuviera con el legendario líder obrero y revolucionario, sobreviviente a su fusilamiento en medio de la masacre lanzada por el General Martínez, ese año a la población indígena que se alzó contra la miseria, la opresión y el hambre.
Narra los albores del partido comunista salvadoreño, sus orígenes, dudas y desaciertos en el manejo del alzamiento indígena.
Altamente recomendable para entender nuestra actualidad.
Narra los albores del partido comunista salvadoreño, sus orígenes, dudas y desaciertos en el manejo del alzamiento indígena.
Altamente recomendable para entender nuestra actualidad.
September 23, 2007
Astonishing testimony from a hero, Miguel Marmol.
August 21, 2025
“Todo era difícil entonces y la verdad es que donde no mirábamos perspectivas poníamos la fe, el orgullo, la cólera o la necedad, los huevos o las candelas. Los muertos pesaban miles de quintales, toneladas. Pero también pesaban de arriba para abajo, no sé si me explico. Quiero decir, ¿cómo iba a aceptar uno que estaba equivocado cuando sabía que por nuestra verdad había muerto gente como el negro Martí, como Luna y Zapata? Éramos ignorantes y nos sentíamos ignorantes. Ya soy viejo ahora y sigo siendo ignorante. Pero la burguesía no nos va a aplastar jamás por saber más. El problema es otro. Es de leyes históricas. Y aunque nosotros no las manejábamos bien, las olíamos, las sentíamos en la punta de la lengua. Y sobrevivíamos. Y sobrevivimos.”
July 24, 2023
This book is a national treasure, both because of the biographer/poet and because of Marmol himself.
Hopefully, one day this will be taught in history classes both in El Salvador and across the world.
I found this book so important, I used tidbits of it it in my novel "Secrets & Lies in El Salvador."
Sherrie Miranda's "Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans" follows the dramatic story of naive, sheltered Shelly going to “The Big Easy” to prepare for El Salvador, but has no idea she will encounter sexism and witness racism as well as illegal activities by government agents.
Hopefully, one day this will be taught in history classes both in El Salvador and across the world.
I found this book so important, I used tidbits of it it in my novel "Secrets & Lies in El Salvador."
Sherrie Miranda's "Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans" follows the dramatic story of naive, sheltered Shelly going to “The Big Easy” to prepare for El Salvador, but has no idea she will encounter sexism and witness racism as well as illegal activities by government agents.
December 26, 2025
If you know, you know. This mf is the El Salvadorian Grim Reaper. RIP Miguel Marmol, legend.
July 15, 2010
History of El Salvador...
June 8, 2019
This book has a place very close to my heart...
October 14, 2016
RECOMENDADO.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews