Review 'Even Silence Has an End' – Ingrid Betancourt

Ingrid Betancourt tells the moving story about her kidnapping by the Colombian FARC guerilla organisation. For more than six years, she was held captive in the jungle. Her book 'Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years of Captivity in the Colombian Jungle' was published in 2010.  

Presidential candidate kidnapping in Colombia from 2002 to 2008

In 2002, Ingrid Betancourt was candidate for the presidential elections in Colombia. She was kidnapped by the guerilla organisation FARC, together with her campaign leader Clara Rojas. For more than six years, they were held captive in the jungle. The French President Sarkozy lobbied for the liberation of Betancourt, who was raised in France. A liberation action of the Colombian army in 2008 put an end to the lengthy ordeal.

Time in the jungle: hardships and emotional support

The group of prisoners Ingrid belongs to is dragged hither and tither. She manages to survive the strenuous journeys only narrowly. In the book, numbering 493 pages, she discourses in detail on the dreadful circumstances in the jungle. She is troubled by diseases and swarms of insects, whereas appropriate medication, sanitary facilities and shelter from heavy rains are not always available. Determined to get away, she makes several blood-curdling attempts to escape.

Through a little radio, the prisoners listen to a programme during which their relatives speak to them. It is a horrowing experience for Ingrid to have no support from her husband, and she receives a heavy blow when she finds out that her father has died. Her mother's and children's voices on the radio keep her going, just like close relationships with a few fellow prisoners.

It is obvious that Betancourt finds it hard to believe that a group of unknown guerilleros coming out of the blue turn out to be her liberators eventually.

Human relationships: virtues and vices

The prisoners and kidnappers are living close to each other. In a way, both the hostages and guerilleros are prisoners, because once you are a FARC member, there is no way back. If someone joins the organisation in an act of youthful recklessness, they cannot get out with impunity again.

Ingrid sketches the virtues and vices of both fellow prisoners and kidnappers. She frequently has to suffer indignity from both groups. As a presidential candidate, she is given more privileges sometimes, which makes other people jealous. On the other hand, she is tormented all the more as a member of the political system which is detested by the FARC. She is also aware of her own frustrations. Once, out of desperation, she jumps the queue at dinner time, thus making herself the object of anger of fellow prisoners.

Her friendship with Clara Rojas, the presidential campaign leader, does not stand the test of hardship. The two entirely different women each have their own psychological strategy of survival. Clara tries to adapt to the situation, whereas Ingrid is obsessed by the thought of escaping.

Style of writing

Ingrid describes in a vivid and compelling way what she has witnessed and gone through, thus giving a sharp portrait of human relationships in the jungle. Her style is more profound and contemplative than that of Clara Rojas. Clara, who got pregnant and gave childbirth during the kidnapping, wrote the book 'Captive'.

Final verdict

The book is a mesmerizing report of someone who has lost the grip on her own course of life for a long time, but stands the test of time brilliantly. The style of writing is fascinating and, occasionally, even unnerving, with insight in human relationships and an eye for the virtues and vices of both prisoners and kidnappers. When reading it, you imagine yourself on the spot. This is a book that will stay in your memory!

Sources: www.todio.nl