Even Silence Has An End - A Review

Born in Bogotá, raised in France, Ingrid Betancourt at the age of thirty-two gave up a life of comfort and safety to return to Colombia to become a political leader in a country that was being slowly destroyed by terrorism, violence, fear, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. In 2002, while campaigning as a candidate in the Colombian presidential elections, she was abducted by the FARC. Nothing could have prepared her for what came next. She would spend the next six and a half years in the depths of the jungle as a prisoner of the FARC. Even Silence Has an End is her deeply personal and moving account of that time. Chained day and night for much of her captivity, she never stopped dreaming of escape and, in fact, succeeded in getting away several times, always to be recaptured. In her most successful effort she and a fellow captive survived a week away, but were caught when her companion became desperately ill; she learned later that they had been mere miles from freedom

This book was fantastic. I was completely captivated by Ingrid's strength, tenacity, and passion for life. The way she endured the trials of 6 years of living in the Amazon jungle completely amazes me. I really enjoyed reading her analysis of her captors and the psychology that was behind it, even if it may have been unintentional on her part. She describes the jungle in a terrifying and captivating way, and I felt like I was with her on her grueling marches from one camp site to another. A human's capacity for survival is just awe-inspiring. Fellow prisoners were having heart attacks, giving birth, and slipping into diabetic comas - and still survived. Ingrid dealt with hepatitis and other ailments. I was truly enamored with this book from page 1.... and I don't do non-fiction. :) The only other thing I would have wanted from this book is a "where are they now" chapter. I want to know how her relationships with her fellow captives have evolved since their release and how they have adjusted to regaining their freedom. It was all so intriguing. Loved it. You should read it - even if you have zero interest in Colombian politics, like me.

5/5 - read it.