One Day Of Life

This was a difficult read. The abuse of power, the violence towards women, children, elderly and the ignorance and arrogance of those perpetrating the violence was both sad and infuriating. It is, however, a fairly good book. The main narrative follows Lupe, a 45 year old poor rural woman and grandmother whose husband and son have taken part in a general protest about the increased costs of seeds and fertilizer. The story pits the workers (labelled by the government as communists) against landowners and those in power (who are also supported by the US). The main story unfolds over one day, hence the title, although there are many flashbacks and recollections to provide context. It is also interspersed with narratives from other people such as Lupe’s granddaughter, daughter, and the brutal National Guards. Though fictional it is impossible not to believe it is pretty close to reality which is what makes it a difficult read. I found the prose a little choppy, but that may be due to eloquence lost in translation.