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alexisrt's review
4.0
This is a bit dated as it was published in 1991, not too long after Pinochet left office and before a great deal of secret intelligence on his regime was release and, and of course, recent events have shown just how severe the consequences of Pinochet's economics were. Unfortunately when I was looking for a book on the topic I didn't seem to find a better, more recent book. Constable and Valenzuela pretty comprehensively cover the regime and its workings, from the DINA to economics. (This book was published near the height of the neoliberal consensus, and is probably gentler than a contemporary take would be, but nonetheless, is blunt about the human and economic cost of the free-market revolution.)
vbw8's review
5.0
I'm traveling to Chile shortly and this amongst other books were recommended reads. I don't know why I wasted my time with some others (i.e., Curfew) because I thought this book by Constable was an excellent comparative political book about the fall of Allende, rise of Pinochet, and various socio-economic factors that both had to deal with while they were in power. When I started reading the book, for some reason it took me 2-3 chapters to finally get into it but as soon as I got into the 4th chapter I found the unbiased recount of history during this turbulent time riveting. There were times where the method of how Constable vividly describes scenes on the streets, in poblaciones,and other parts made me realize I had unwavering opinions of the junta and economic policies that were pushed to Chilean society while under Pinochet. With that said, Constable also forced me to face the fact that Pinochet brought in some people tried to bring in some good to society (although poorly managed and executed). I would highly recommend this book to anyone visiting Chile or to help supplement their studies. This is a book where active reading is required and if you're nodding off just close the book and pick up at another time because Constable makes some very astute points to challenge or substantiate your thoughts on Chile. Highly recommended!
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