Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years of Captivity in the Colombian Jungle

questionable

While I find Ms. Betancourt's story at times captivating, I also find it to be long, drawn out, and factually questionable. As I read, I just kept getting this feeling that I didn't necessarily trust the author. As such, after completion of the book, I did more research and have read her fellow captives' stories. There is plenty of literature and media debating her account, which for me "put the finger" on that feeling I continually had reading her book. While I obviously am very interested in her story, I find what she leaves out of her book to be all the more interesting. Those facts aren't in the others per se, but the facts of her life are quite interesting and made only more so because she avoids and fails to mention them in this doctrine of her captivity, treatment and rescue.

5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

A perfect example of it's type--the hostage memoir

It is a towering achievement to have conceived and written a book like this after one's release, for as fellow captive Clara Rojas wrote in her memoir Captive, "going back isn't easy", even in one's mind, to remember and relive the period of captivity. However, the level of detail about one's daily life in the Amazon jungle is patently fascinating, even to those of us who have no intention of spending any time there. For an explorer, scientist, or government operative, this is required reading.

Think me a fool, but that a public figure (Ingrid Betancourt, long-shot presidential candidate) could write a book of such power and clarity and filled with personal observations and motivations, reminded me of the only other memoir of similar power in recent memory written by another long-shot presidential candidate, Barak Obama Dreams from my Father. Equally riveting, though entirely of a different character, Even Silence has an End tells us much about the nature of the individual who could observe dispassionately (and sometimes passionately) in the face of complications difficult to imagine: terror, sickness, pain, and boredom.

As I read I became aware of the sometimes poisonous relationships that developed among the hostages and between the hostages and their FARC captors. An earlier memoir I'd tried to read, Out of Captivity became immediately relevant, as each book references the authors of the other. As a result, I subsequently read Rojas' Captive, which reminded me of the mind-numbing boredom of my earlier attempt with Out of Captivity. The fight in Colombia between government forces and FARC rebels has always felt out of my realm, and those two books did not make make our worlds intersect in any significant way. Betancourt's book, however, brought that whole world right up close and personal, and I am there: involved, interested, engaged. Clearly Betancourt arouses strong emotions, both support and opposition, even as she did as a captive. But until the opposition can speak with such a clearly rational and obviously humane and--this is critical--a truly interesting voice, Betancourt's version of events is the one I will choose to remember.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Could not wait to continue reading the next day. Countinous suspense! A 'WOW' story! Very well written. Freedom,family,& lifes necessities gone in a blink! 6 years of life or death choices. Vivid experiance.

Ingrid Betancourt relays the daily terrors and unjustice she experianced from the hands of aggressive Guerilla force the FARC, after abducting her at gun point while being lead deeper into the Amazon. Ingrid gives vivid discription of the Amazons beauty amidst the evil FARCE and the dangerous creatures hidden in the beauty. You feel that you are taking each step with her. You cry with her when her mothers voice is heard pleading for her release ,you cheer for her when she escapes, you'll catch yourself holding your breath while she escapes! You are on the edge of your seat.Ingrid expresses her bravery,her humiliation from the cruelty & her neverending attempts to be free. All the while remaining true to herself. she has the spirit to be an overcommer. This book give you a great appreciation for for freedom, freedom of choice and the priveledge to be an American. I recommend reading UNTIL DEATH DO US APART, first to understand the love and passion she has for the Columbian people and why she was such a target to the FARC. God Bless Ingrid Betancourt for surviving!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Highly recommended!

I couldn't put this book down! Ingrid Betancourt endured so much as she was held captive in the jungle. Her escape attempts were nail biting and each time I hoped that she would find freedom. The book was written so well, you felt as if you were standing next to her.
A memorable book!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Do not buy this book

Self centered Betancourt attempts to profit at the expense of the Colombian people. Do not help her. Boycott her book.

3 out of 18 people found this review helpful.

A Big Book -A Fast Paced Read

Don't let the large amount of pages keep you from reading this book. You become so absorbed in the story that time goes quickly. The story was very well written and in no time you are in the rainforest-facing all the obstacles right along with those kidnapped. Amazing true story.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Must read

Regardless of the controversy about Ingrid. This is her story of survival, courage, endurance and faith. Dramatic yet full of strenght and hope. Must read

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

not worth it

This is a book written by a woman, who knew how dangerous it was to go where she went to campaign, and after ignoring warnings, went in and got kidnapped. six years later, after being freed by the Colombian military, she tries to sue the country for money she was owed while still kidnapped? how about the families and other people still in captivity? does this woman have a clear conscious mind that she was a lucky one while there are more stewing in the depths of the colombian jungles fighting for their lives and disease on a daily basis? Obviously no. This is just another of her "poor me" projects, to make money and catch non deserved sympathy. This woman is not only a poor excuse for an author, but also disgraces the name of Colombia. But hey! who cares, because as she once said, she's not much colombian, she's french!

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Can't be a diva while being held prisioner.

had trouble feeling sorry for this character. came across as a diva who seemed to be treated fairly well considering her circumstances and her attitude only ended up angering her captures and fellow prisioners

A great non-fiction read

This highly educated woman reflects on her time in captivity in the jungle of Colombia as a political hostage. A great, fast read that depicts both her struggle to survive and the emotional turmoil of captivity.

AWFUL!! Don't waste your money!!!

This book is awful...if you want to know about the landscape of the Amazon Jungle, this book is for you.

Highly recommended

Inspiring true story of strength during the unimaginable.

Highly Recommened

This is a great book. What courage she had and I saw the ending on TV but couldn't remember so the ending was wonderful.

review

review

Highly Recommended - you must check it out!!

I could not put this book down. A must read. The hardship endured by the captives is riveting.

The Best Book I've Read In A Long Time

The terrifying account of the brave and spirited Ingrid Betancourt was incredible. The details transported me to the jungle. I could smell the chontos, taste the eggs from the hen, and feel the gun butts in my own ribs. I have learned to appreciate hot water, privacy, and above all, my freedom. People love to hate others and it is a travesty that Ms. Betancourt has been made to bear the brunt just because of her upbringing, status in society, etc. I am very happy that she turned to Jesus and was freed. I would like to know what happened after she returned home. This story was about the perseverance and the struggle to stay alive and hold on to humanity when people are trying to force one to become an animal everyday for 6 years.

Great

i loved this book, it was a great page turner and i looked forward to reading every page. it shows that no matter what others do, we all have the strenght to fight and do our best in any situation.

Wonderful read

I have recommended this book to many. This book will hold your attention from the first page to the last, although at the end of the book I would have liked information about what she found once she returned home.

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