Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter

This book is exquisitely written and gives an up close view of world history by a person who lived it. I learned so much about south American politics, as we'll as the inner workings of resistance movements around the world. She is an amazing author and apparently also an actress well known in South America and Vancouver Canada. Impressive.

This first-hand story of growing up in the Chilean resistance after the Pinochet coup is riveting and revealing. It is utterly unlike anything I have read before, political without becoming polemical, deeply personal but movingly human. There is no room here for the cynicism or distancing prevalent in too many autobiographies and first-person accounts of events. This is raw, moving and almost excruciatingly honest. No wonder it won last year's Canada Reads award. Read this not only to better understand the savagery of the CIA-backed Pinochet coup and its aftermath,but to also understand the motivation, dedication and sacrifices of those committed to combating tyranny not only in Chile, but in nations around the globe.

Although this book was a facinating read, I was disappointed by the end. Throughout the book, Carmen discribes her relationship with family. Unfortunately, she doesn't continue with her relationship with her parents. I felt like I was hanging, wondering what had happened between Carmen and her mother in particular. I would have liked a final chapter describing her closest relationships and what happened to those people. There were too many unanswered questions for me.

Her story is fantastic. I read this in 3 sittings. I would highly recommend this book. Can't wait till my daughters are old enough to read it.

This read held me captivated from start to finish. Both entertaining and educating me. I highly recommend this book for all audiences

New insight into a world I did not have a whole bunch of knowledge, revealed itself in this book. Although it did not cover a topic I embrace, the life of the children involved in this dishevelled journey was worth the read .

Would recommend this book. Nice to have a different perspective on South American politics. The author did a good job of portraying the life of the child affected by the political strife.

Great read.

As a middle aged man supposedly aware of the many injustices in our world, but one of the many to sit back tutting about the said injustices, and yet still doing nothing too helpful, in the hope that somewhere, someone is doing something positive.i thought Carmen's story was truly inspiring very well written and utterly believable.This book has certainly made me think more deeply about many of the struggles around the world in my lifetime.I would absolutely commend this book to anyone with an open mind and a desire to see what drives people who have alternative views to those in power.I should also like to make it clear that as well as an inspirational story it is A very good and exciting read.

I was living in Chile at the time of the plebiscite and the "return to Democracy" and my memories are that it was a time of rejoicing even though a percentage of the population was pro Pinochet. What the author and her family went through, wether you agree with their political views or not, makes for an excellent read. The pull that long, thin country has on people is extraordinary.

Riveting and often tough - this autobiography is from the heart by a girl turning woman, born to a revolutionary mother in Chile, becoming one herself.

A very readable book that carries you along and really takes you into the South America of the 80s. What an interesting life Carmen Aguirre lead as a child and young woman.

Not yet finished but so far it is a very good description of wandering around the Americas with a slightly disorganised family.