Matilde Mellibovsky not only describes the personal anguish of the families over the torturee; deaths or "disappearance" of their children; but also shows how the women gave emotional support to each other and the way in which; since 1976; they slowly but surely organized and built and international movement.
#1363737 in Books 2003-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .77 x 5.50l; #File Name: 1864489979272 pages
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The sad part is Laos did not want anything to do ...By Wiley UmsteadThis books can not be sold to anyone with a US address. I'm not sure why it is restricted. It does talk about the fact that US; Russia and China all had military bases in Laos in direct violation of the UN and Geniva. The sad part is Laos did not want anything to do with the Vietnam war; being mostly Buddest and peaceful. They were force into the war by Vietnam; China Russia and the US. More bombs were dropped in Laos than have ever been dropped anywhere. Today these bombs are killing and wounding a 1000 Laos people a year. The book jumps around in time to much to be easy reading. Constantly going forwards 20 to 50 years and then jumping back. The begining of the book covers early Laos history; middle part the French colonization; remainder the politics from French colonial period through the Vietnam war till about 10 years ago.38 of 38 people found the following review helpful. Comprehensive; insightful; culturally-sensitiveBy A CustomerFor a newcomer to Laos; Dr. Evans's volume would seem an excellent introduction to its history; politics and culture. For someone like myself; who had his own intense introduction to Laos in the late 60s and looks forward to a return; the book is an insightful refresher and update. It has helped me put my own experience in context and rethink the Laos I once thought I knew. This short history is thoughtful; well-written; and largely devoid of moral judgments.The subtitle "The Land in Between" sums up an unfortunate reality -- for much of its history Laos has been caught between more powerful neighbors and sometimes their even more powerful patrons. But Evans does not stop with such a facile explanation of the Laos that has emerged. I particularly appreciate his continuing emphasis on the deep and enduring cultural roots of the peoples who inhabit Laos -- and the interplay among them.With so many Western writers and readers still caught up in the battles that we fought in Laos in the 60s and 70s; Evans's book is a refreshing reminder that Laos merits attention -- indeed fascination -- in its own right.4 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Useful Background for LaosBy CurtisAs someone who is contemplating a work assignment in Laos; this book provides needed background on the cultural and political environment likely to be encountered. In addition to the coverage of people and events; I would have appreciated more elaboration on the typical lifestyles of lowland and upland people of Laos and how that has evolved recently. This was an interesting read; but it felt a bit disjointed at times and the writing does not measure up to the skill of better-known modern historians such as David McCollough and Walter Isaacson.
