Fire Down Below

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Harvey, a British House of Commons member and former Economist correspondent for Latin America, here provides a useful overview of the contrasting natures of the area's individual countries and people, from the primitive to sophisticated, including three distinct Indian nations, many of whose members are victims of displacement and mistreatment. More probing than most travel books, the author's acute sense of observation, analysis of complex economic and political matters and evocative prose convey not only the flavor and variety of often spectacular scenic beauty but the suffering, horror and poverty inflicted on the people by civil wars, dictators and natural disasters. In each country Harvey interviewed representatives of opposing political factions, and although he asserts that earlier U.S. involvement could have prevented or alleviated many Latin American problems, he is guardedly optimistic about the future of democracy south of the border. (October)

Library Journal

Based on an extended trip through Latin America in 1986, this work by a former editor of the Economist and Conservative British MP describes contemporary Latin America in terms of its history, political and economic situation, and prospects. Harvey interviewed a broad range of people from taxi drivers to guerrilla leaders. Though his observations can be trenchantEl Salvador, with its death squads and guerrillas, is described as the caricature of a typical Latin American countryhe is somewhat optimistic that prosperity may yet flourish in Latin America. Muting his criticism of U.S. foreign policy, Harvey instead offers an engaging portrait of a continent in turmoil. Brian E. Coutts, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green

Booknews

Examines the progress, poverty, history, and politics that characterize this complex region of the world. No bibliography; acidic paper. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)