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A review by andrea0301
Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter by Carmen Aguirre
5.0
This was such a powerful book. I am so grateful I stumbled upon this book when it was mentioned in the 150 years of Canada book as a recommended one regarding a modern Canadian author. This book certainly packed a punch. This is a heavy autobiography for it deals with many difficult subject matters. Her family, exiled from Chile in the late 1970's and whom move to Vancouver Canada are a few tidbits that just scratch the surface of the beginning of the novel. Carmen's parents ultimately divorce and her mother takes up with a man named Bob and together, they join a resistance movement that takes them back into South America (Bolivia and then Argentina) along with Carmen and her sister Ale. Her mother and stepfather certainly made some poor decisions at times, for the cause was their number one priority not their children. This truly affected Carmen throughout her youth in many ways.
However, stunningly, Carmen joins the resistance movement herself when her family gives it up. Her own descriptions of the risks she took for the cause are compelling and emotional. I was gripped by her strength, something many of us would not have the guts to do. The descriptions of South America in the 1970's and 1980's, particularly the atrocities that the US inflicted on some in Central America as well as Grenada and South America were eye-opening and startling. The US clearly would like to remain number one by any means necessary, even if it means loss of civilians by the thousands. A disgusting part of US history that is simply swept under the rug that needs to be discussed more readily.
I would have read this book faster had life not gotten in the way so much. A compelling read about a Modern Canadian (she ultimately moves back to Canada in case you are wondering how she is a Canadian).
However, stunningly, Carmen joins the resistance movement herself when her family gives it up. Her own descriptions of the risks she took for the cause are compelling and emotional. I was gripped by her strength, something many of us would not have the guts to do. The descriptions of South America in the 1970's and 1980's, particularly the atrocities that the US inflicted on some in Central America as well as Grenada and South America were eye-opening and startling. The US clearly would like to remain number one by any means necessary, even if it means loss of civilians by the thousands. A disgusting part of US history that is simply swept under the rug that needs to be discussed more readily.
I would have read this book faster had life not gotten in the way so much. A compelling read about a Modern Canadian (she ultimately moves back to Canada in case you are wondering how she is a Canadian).