I previously posted on this blog some comments when she was released.
While in Calgary I saw Ingid Betancourt’s autobiography of her life up to before her kidnapping in 2002. The book it titled, Until Death Do Us Part: My Struggle to Reclaim Colombia. It has been recently printed with an updated cover noting her release from captivity this July. It looked like a good read to end my vacation on. I took a late night yesterday and finished it.
The book was originally published by her in French as La Rage au Coeur. The English translation was first published in 2002.
I would highly recommend it. Though I will note that I do have more interest in the story than most people as many of the political events described in the book occurred while I was living in Colombia in 1993 and 1994 as well as part-time in 1997. Let’s hope Colombia which is a beautiful country, continues to improve politically and socially.
There is also a short book called Letters to My Mother: A Message of Love, A Plea for Freedom
On December 1, 2007, during the arrest of several guerillas in Bogotá, the Colombian police confiscated a short video clip of political hostage Ingrid Betancourt. Accompanying the video was a twelve-page letter, dated October 24, 2007, written by Betancourt to her mother and family.
Kidnapped on February 23, 2002, Betancourt has become an international symbol in the struggle for liberty and the fight against barbarity. Before being captured by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), she was a voice of hope for the Colombian people, leading a courageous fight against political corruption, violence, and illegal detentions.
Presented in this small, poignant book is Betancourt’s letter to her mother printed in English, French, and Spanish. From the depths of the Colombian jungle, Betancourt’s words are an impassioned declaration of love to those dearest to her.
In addition to this letter is a response to Betancourt written by her children, who since they were teenagers have rallied public support for their mother’s release. With a preface by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel, Letters to My Mother conveys a powerful message of love for family and country, and a heartrending plea for freedom.
About the Author
Born December 25, 1961, in Bogata, Ingrid Betancourt grew up in Paris where her father served as Colombia’s UNESCO ambassador. In 2002, she published a memoir, Until Death Do We Part: My Struggle to Reclaim Columbia, which was a bestseller in France and Colombia. At the time of Betancourt’s capture, she was an elected senator running for president and leading a crusade against political corruption in Colombia. For almost six years, the FARC has held Betancourt hostage in the Colombian jungle.
Also here is a transcript from CNN Larry King which interviewed her on July 9 after her escape.
