Customer Reviews

Law of the Jungle: The Hunt for Colombian Guerrillas, American Hostages, and Buried Treasure

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Law of the Jungle is a great read- it really lays out the complex web of narco-politics in Colombia through the story of three "gringos" shot down over the jungle interwoven with the strange adventure of the Colombian Special forces team who were sent to find the Americans. The story would be difficult to believe if it were not true- and that is the common thread through out the novel.

I have often wondered the back story of the whole war on drugs- especially as it has played out in Colombia, Law of the Jungle brought me up to speed in a thoughtful and entertaining way.

The author's in depth knowledge of latin america, both culturally as well as politically show through in the narrative, Mr. Otis should continue writing on this subject, I can't wait for his next book!

John Otis wrestles successfully with a complicated subject that remains largely ignored by most of the world - outside Colombia. Complex stories require reader patience, and this one was hard to crack - which I think caused another reviewer to down-rate the book. I learned a great deal about the FARC, Colombian politics and government since the 1970s. The tales of three American contractors, and of Ingrid Betancourt, bookend sad stories of the hundreds and thousands who have suffered at the hands of Colombia's right, left, and center. Otis's book explores and enlightens, approaching a crescendo in the last ten chapters that kept me up reading late until I finished.

Two friends of mine who worked closely with John Otis in South America in the past told me about this book and I had also heard about it on a radio interview here in Houston.

Otis brilliantly weaves the lives of three Americans held hostage in the jungles of Columbia against a backdrop of global politics, buried treasure and a harrowing rescue. The book narratively clarifies the conflict between the government of Columbia and the FARC. A real page-turner, this is a good book for a long plane ride or a bedside book good for pre-sleep adventures.

I was familiar with the overall story. But with incisive reporting, Otis brought the entire story alive and made me want to keep reading to the end. I knew how the story would come out, but Otis made me want to see how. I especially liked his details on the climactic hostage rescue.

I read the book during a couple of flights. It's a good, quick read. The book has a good mix of background material that doesn't slow the overall story.

Good documentation and entertaining read on Colombia's narco guerrillas and the American hostages. Would also recommend "Out of Captivity" written by the three American hostages on their ordeal.

Law of the Jungle is a great read with the fascinating story of the three American contractors who were kidnapped by the FARC guerrillas. But it is also a real informative book on the situation in Colombia over the last 20 years.

I have traveled to Colombia three times and read a lot about it. But I still learned so much more from this about Colombian politics, crime and war. I enjoyed the background on how the FARC was formed and its history as a guerrilla group. I also enjoyed the analysis on the peace process and the presidency of Alvaro Uribe. Law of the Jungle definitely sits there with the top books on understanding modern Latin America.

I bought this book expecting a dramatic and gritty narrative about a real event. After the first fifty pages, I can tell you I have no desire to continue reading this book. It probably gets better, at least I hope so, but it's just not clicking for me.