Elvia Alvarado tells the story of her life and the life of the people of Honduras. Read it and understand the struggle against tyranny of the poor. Read it and act.--Alice Walker
#538047 in Books Medea Benjamin 1989-07-19 1989-07-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .47 x 5.31l; .36 #File Name: 006097205X208 pagesDon t Be Afraid Gringo A Honduran Woman Speaks from the Heart the Story of Elvia Alvarado
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting insight into campesino lifeBy KatlantaGood insight into the experience of the Honduran campesino (and more to the point; the campesina) in the 1970s and 80s. I imagine that while not 100% of it applies today (the political and military situations in the US; Russia; and Central America have changed since then); some of it remains very relevant. What Alvarado has to say about the effects of poverty; solutions to social issues; the challenges and benefits of organizing and empowering the women in the communities; and the culture are likely still as fresh as the day she said them. A bonus for me was that having read Ryszard Kapuscinski's account of the Soccer War (twice); I appreciated reading about the conflict from her completely different point of view.Benjamin did a great job of maintaining Alvarado's voice and the flow of the storytelling - note that Benjamin is credited as "translator" rather than "author;" as her goal was to preserve and publish Alvarado's thoughts. While the subject matter is serious; Alvarado frequently shows her sense of humor; and it was a fairly quick read. I can't say I agree with all the theoreticals espoused by the subject; but Alvarado's narrative helped me understand why she felt that way; so I feel it was successful.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good book for socially conciousBy dustryfoottravelerTook a little longer to arrive before i wanted it but all was in good condition as described. would do business again with them anytime. I would call myself a seasoned traveler to Honduras; despite the usual travel warnings now and then from the state department; but i wanted to know more about the struggles some Hondurans go through and this book i felt could enlighten me a lot more despite the usual life in Tegus; Roatan; Copan and other well to do areas.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A FavoriteBy DaisyBecause it's a testimonial and translation; this book is told in a very simple; straighforward way that a lot of people could probably read and understand easily. It's an eye-opening and inspiring read which I would definitely recommend.
