A Hero's Curse: The Perpetual Liberation of Venezuela

· Oxford University Press
Ebook
292
Pages
Eligible
Ratings and reviews aren’t verified  Learn More

About this ebook

A Hero's Curse is the story of the modern Venezuelans whose lives have taken shape in the shadow of Simón Bolívar and his most passionate disciple, Comandante Hugo Chávez. For nearly two hundred years Venezuela's political leaders have evoked the legacy of their liberator, Bolívar, to stir popular support. While Bolívar's heroic struggle helped free a continent, his affinity for dictatorial rule spawned a vicious cycle of liberation and tyranny that has always haunted Venezuela. Since Chávez's death, the battle for Venezuela's future has intensified. Amidst a collapsing economy, escalating violence, and shortages of basic goods, there are increasing calls for a change of leadership. Rivals for power compete in demonstrating to the masses that they are the new, true, Venezuelan hero come to set them free. Kajsa Norman chronicles the rise and fall of Chávez and the tragic impact of Venezuela's 'heroic' politics on ordinary citizens. The stage is set for yet another turn in Venezuela's cycle of perpetual liberation, with a new generation of leaders clamouring for the title of national hero.

About the author

Kajsa Norman is a London-based investigative journalist and author focused on dictatorships and conflict zones. She has previously published books on Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela. She has also served as a press and information officer for the Swedish Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Mali.

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.