Customer Reviews

Victor: The Life and Music of Victor Jara

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It was quite difficult for me to finish this book. The strength of Joan Jara's words paint such a picture of Victor Jara, the musician, the dancer, the theater director, the composer, the family man, the working man, his death and rebirth, in song and foundation, that is so very powerful and emotional.
This is a must-read for everyone, Chilean and non-Chilean alike.
The story told within these pages speak to all humanity and "civil"ization regardless of nationality.
Victor's story and that of the Popular Unity and Nueva Cancion movement must be told. The beauty and tragedy go hand-in-hand in this story of love, passion and sadness.
Joan Jara writes with a sincerity and a frankness that trancends even honesty. As a young Chilean-American, Joan's words resonate with stories that my parents have told me over the years. If you are interested in the history of Latin America, specifically Chile, or just looking for a great book to read, give this one a chance. You will not regret it.
! Victor Jara Presente ! Muchas gracias Joan !

Without a doubt, this is the finest, most moving book on the history of the Nueva Cancion movement and the Popular Unity government in print. Written by Joan Jara, the wife of the legendary leftist folksinger Victor Jara who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by the Chilean secret police, this book is an incredible testament not only to the extraordinary life of Victor Jara, but to the hopes and dreams of so many Chilean activists and other Latin Americans working for social justice, human rights, economic democracy, and peace. To read Joan's words and listen to Victor's songs is to understand why the Chilean oligarchy and the Nixon administration were so determined to silence the Nueva Cancion movement and crush the socialist government of Salvador Allende. (Sadly, we can witness history repeating itself in Venezuela with the radical right now trying to destabilize the democratically elected government of Hugo Chavez).

Fans of Chilean protest music will enjoy reading this book not only because it tells the story of Victor Jara, but because it also records the history of many other important Chilean folksingers like Violeta Parra, Inti-Illimani, and Quilapayun, as well as the poet Pablo Neruda. Joan, if somehow you should find this message, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping the memory of Victor Jara alive. Your courage and humanity humbles me.

Reading this book, I am reminded of Joe Hill, the North American folksinger and union organizer who met a similar fate, and, of course, I am also reminded of all the other disappeared activists in Chile, Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, and elsewhere. May Victor's songs inspire us all to continue working for social change and may peace prevail in Latin America and around the world.