Marie Arana was born in Lima, Peru. She is the author of the memoir American Chica, a finalist for the National Book Award; two novels, Cellophane and Lima Nights; and The Writing Life, a collection from her well-known column for The Washington Post. She lives in Washington, DC, and Lima, Peru.
"Epic is a word used too often to describe lesser work, but Marie
Arana's marvelously readable Bolívar: American Liberator is a
biography that earns its adjective. . . . For those who know little
of Bolívar's history -- that includes most people in North America
-- here is a biography that sparks the imagination in its depth and
perception, and its unflagging narrative."--David Walton "The
Dallas Morning News "
"Most North American historians have mentioned [Bolivar] only in
passing, usually making 'the George Washington of Latin America'
reference. . . . That conception obviously needed correction in the
form of a comprehensive biography that makes Bolivar's life
accessible to a large readership in the United States. Bolivar is
unquestionably that book. . . . Bolivar is magisterial in scope,
written with flair and an almost cinematic sense of history
happening. . . . A monumental achievement destined to win some
major literary prizes."--Joseph J. Ellis "Washington Post Book
World "
The cliche goes that history is written by the winners; in the case of Simon Bolivar, a remarkable military leader who liberated six South American countries from Spanish rule, this is not the case. Bolivar's legacy has been tarnished by many right up to the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Arana (former editor in chief, Washington Post Book World; Lima Nights) presents a human story of a wealthy Creole who, inspired by Enlightenment ideas, sought to bring South Americans of all colors responsible and representative government. As Arana aptly points out, his vision of equality went much further than the ideals of George Washington. Today, Bolivar is viewed either as the archetype of the Latin American strongman or an impossibly faultless crusader of equality. In her work, Arana adeptly finds the statesman behind the images. Drawing on Bolivar's voluminous correspondence and political writings, she assembles a chronological narrative that does justice to both Bolivar's august achievements and his human imperfections. This well-rounded work reveals not just an accomplished military tactician but also an able statesman. VERDICT This vivid biography flows smoothly and makes an important contribution to Bolivarian studies. It should appeal to readers both lay and academic, the more so as this is the bicentennial year of Bolivar's first independence campaign. [See Prepub Alert, 10/28/12.]-Brian Renvall, Mesalands Community Coll., Tucumcari, NM (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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