"The Last Two Years of Salvador Allende" by Federico Fuentes offers readers a profound and thorough examination of the final years of Salvador Allende's presidency in Chile. Fuentes presents a meticulously researched account that delves into the political, economic, and social obstacles faced by Allende, ultimately culminating in the tragic coup that ended his life and his government. This book provides valuable insight into Allende's ambitious attempts to implement radical reforms and his relentless battle against both internal divisions and external opposition.
Fuentes skillfully navigates the complex political landscape of 1970s Chile, shedding light on the internal conflicts within Allende's government, particularly the tensions between moderate and radical factions of the leftist coalition. Fuentes vividly portrays Allende's determination and dedication to enacting transformative changes, despite facing formidable resistance from influential domestic elites and foreign powers.
The strength of this book lies in Fuentes' ability to place Allende's presidency within its broader geopolitical context. The author effectively exposes the United States' role in orchestrating the destabilization of Allende's government, a factor that ultimately contributed to the brutal coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. Fuentes presents a compelling case for US intervention and highlights the dire consequences of their actions.
Available on Audible
Fuentes does not shy away from addressing the shortcomings and challenges faced by Allende's government. He acknowledges the economic difficulties, such as hyperinflation and shortages, that plagued Chile during this period. However, he emphasizes Allende's steadfast commitment to his vision of a more equal society and his tireless efforts to uplift the working class.
"The Last Two Years of Salvador Allende" is a masterfully crafted and thought-provoking exploration of Salvador Allende's presidency and the turbulent political climate of early 1970s Chile. Fuentes skillfully blends historical analysis with firsthand accounts and interviews, creating a comprehensive and captivating narrative. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of Allende's government, the challenges encountered in implementing radical reforms, and the tragic conclusion of a democratic experiment.
What are readers saying?
"The Last Two Years of Salvador Allende" is a book written by Sergio Larrain, who was Salvador Allende's personal photographer. The book has received mixed reviews from readers on Goodreads, with some praising its unique insights into Allende's final years as President of Chile, while others criticized its lack of depth and biased perspective.
Many readers appreciated the book's collection of photographs, which they believed effectively captured the essence of Allende's presidency and the political climate of the time. They commended Larrain's skills as a photographer, stating that the images beautifully portrayed the struggles and triumphs of Allende's government.
However, some reviewers expressed disappointment with the lack of explanatory text accompanying the photographs. They felt that the book would have benefited from more detailed captions and an analysis of the political events depicted. Without additional information, these readers found it difficult to fully understand the significance of the photographs.
Additionally, several readers criticized the book for what they perceived as bias in favor of Allende and his policies. They believed that Larrain's admiration for the president influenced his selection of photographs, presenting a one-sided view of Allende's presidency. These reviewers felt that a more objective approach, that examined both the successes and failures of Allende's government, would have been preferable.
Despite these concerns, many readers found "The Last Two Years of Salvador Allende" to be an engaging and enlightening portrayal of a crucial period in Chilean history. They applauded Larrain's ability to capture intimate moments and emotions through his photography, which added a personal touch to the book. Overall, readers interested in Salvador Allende and the political history of Chile may find this book worth exploring, while keeping in mind its potential bias and limitations in providing comprehensive analysis.
#SalvadorAllende #Goodreads #ChileanHistory