Gómez, the Shame of America

The age of oil in our western society starts traditionally in the 1950'ies, but it rather ignores the effects on the discovery of the black gold in the countries where it originated. José Rafael Pocaterra describes with the sharp and crystal clear tone we know him for the incursion of the foreigners on Venezuelan land, the effects of the vast new income on the Venezuelan regime and then, in the form of his prison diary, how this regime deals with those who oppose them.

The author wrote this book from the jail for political prisoners of Caracas La Rotunda. Fearing for his life, he smuggled the manuscript out on small papers hidden in matchboxes. It was first published in New York anonymously, while he himself was still in jail, with the goal of gathering international support for the opposition against dictator Juan Vicente Gómez.

The clear descriptions and flowing story quite often feel like fiction. As a precursor of the style of New Journalism, not even the horrors of La Rotunda could soften Pocaterra's pen or take away the humor and lightness which are so typical of Venezuelan culture. We hope you find in this book the inspiration you need and the fire that the author wanted you to have.

Dettagli