Viva South America!

by Oliver Balch

"Viva South America!" sets out to discover if the dream of Simon Bolivar - for independence, freedom and equality - lives on in modern South America. Armed with a reporter's notebook and an open mind, Oliver Balch hits the road in search of answers. With the ghost of Bolivar as guide, the quest takes the reader off the tourist trail and into the weird and wonderful worlds of South American culture and society. By stepping into people's homes and into inmates' prison cells, by climbing onto dance floors and over road blocks, Oliver Balch unearths untold stories from the front line of South America's contemporary fight for freedom.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, History, Politics, Bolivia, Latin American

393 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book a British journalist travels around South America, examining a different issue in each country he visits (e.g. Bolivia and economics, Paraguay and human rights, Peru and religion). He is also apparently following in the footsteps of Simón Bolívar, a revolutionary and important figure in the history of the continent. While both of these viewpoints are interesting, they don't necessarily mesh well, and in some chapters the author appears to forget about one or the other of his themes.

Although I found a lot of the information in this book interesting, the author's sexist remarks were off-putting. Some example quotes:

[On trying to find common ground with a Huaroani man from Ecuador] ""the one unanimous subject of male interest: women." This was followed by a "hilarious" anecdote about how a woman from his same tour group was upset and freaked out by a stranger trying to get into her tent in the middle of the night.

[At a class on domestic abuse] "'Gluttons for punishment, if you ask me,' an unsympathetic student remarks. I'm tempted to agree."

[Interviewing a victim of domestic abuse] "As she describes the litany of abuse she's suffered, I find myself drifting off.""

He is also very dismissive of the responses of a woman he interviews at a gay rights march in Chile; the interview went along the lines of "But aren't things getting better for women these days?" "No, not really." "Well... I think they are."

While I did learn a lot about the political situations in various regions of South America, I don't plan on reading anything else by this author.

[Asta Nyyssönen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cis men shouldn't attempt to make points about the struggles of trans people, especially not when they don't even bother to research which terms are offensive, or respect their pronouns.
Men shouldn't attempt to make overgeneralized points about the struggles of women, especially not when they are continuously dismissive of the concerns and input of abuse victims and femenists alike.
Straight People shouldn't attempt to make overgeneralized points about queer people, especially not when they think camp gays are funny and don’t like it when those pessimistic butch lesbians won't just accept that homophobia is basically over anyway.
White Europeans should not attempt to make overgeneralized points about racism in an entire continent consisting mainly of people of color, especially not when they clearly think themselves to be more civilized than the poor as well as the indigenous people of that continent.
Oppressors should not attempt to make overgeneralized points about oppressed people.
Bad writers shouldn't publish books.

[Subvert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm happy that I've read it and it certainly wasn't a waste of time. There was quite some stuff in it that I didn't know much about. But the book is rather flawed. It never gets truly in-depth, as every country just gets on chapter of 30-40 pages or so, this problem is sort of solved by having one topic for every country (indigenous people, women's rights, religion, violence/crime, racism, parliamentary politics vs experiments in participative democracy). But then meshing all this with Simon Bolivar constantly gets really weird, including the jumps at the end of every chapter to the next (you actually really don't have to read it chronologically).

The book assumes a basic knowledge of Latin America and also of Simon Bolivar. I don't know too much about him, but enough to read the book. It's just that the way he uses the writings and life of Simon Bolivar for this travelogue with all the contemporary topics that doesn't really work. I remember reading two books that used a historic character as an excuse for a travelogue and in both books it worked much better (Finding George Orwell & The Trouser People, both about Burma). I feel like that if he would've wanted to make the Simon Bolivar thing work he should have focused much more on just a couple of topics/countries, or just on the "Leftist" turn of Latin America in general and how Bolivar is used by people like Chavez. That could've made an interesting read in itself. Now it's just sort of strange to see every chapter introduced with some quote of Bolivar and his life-story sometimes suddenly inserted somewhere every chapter. Not knowing all that much about Simon Bolivar, I really don't feel like I now know all that much more about him.

I also completely agree with some of the other reviewers here that criticize how he writes about women and queer issues. If you're not really interested in feminist struggle, then don't fucking write an entire chapter about it. Oliver Balch is really clueless about queer and feminist struggle and it doesn't seem he really wants to understand. Also the "rape-story" in the jungle really isn't very funny at all. Perhaps it's a bit of a difficult topic though, because Oliver Balch writes the entire book about his own personal observations, every person he ends up meeting is being described of how he observes the person (manners/dress etc) and what feelings he has at the time. So if Oliver Balch feels awkward about meeting a trans-person in a park and leaving to her house together, then of course it's just his own personal observation, if his mind drifts off after listening to another personal story of abuse and rape, than well, yeah, that's his experience. But having to read it is just rather painful and annoying. You'd wish an editor would've stopped him from including it in the book.

Anyway, there was plenty that I did sort of like. I guess the experiments in participative democracy in Argentina and the 'revolution' in Venezuala are to me the most interesting. But it doesn't really get in-depth, it doesn't really get analyzed all that far, and it's all through the lense of what you could call typical liberal "Guardian Leftism". Especially about Cuba and Venezuela things are written down in a certain way, that are to some extent supportive to the cause, but at the same time written in a derogatory manner without any arguments for doing so. I'm really not all that positive to Chavez and Castro myself, but besides making some (interesting) observations there, he doesn't really analyse the stuff that is going on there in any thorough way. So why then this sarcastic way of writing as if we "Westerners" know it all so much better.

Ah well, not a bad book, it gets three stars from me.

[Christopher Hylland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this travel account linking back to Bolívar and covering the then-politics of the region. Superbly written, great use of the English language (puts the rest of us to shame!)

[Geir Ertzgaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Det er ikke lett å finne god reiselitteratur fra Sør-Amerika, og de to første kapitlene av denne reisen gjennom 9 av de 13 landene i Sør-Amerika og en svipp innom Cuba er en av de få jeg klarte å spore opp før jeg dro dit sist sommer. Jeg likte ikke de første to kapitlene, det virket som om Balch slet med å finne en god vinkling på boken, og historiene han fant fram var mørkere og mer depressive enn det jeg var klar for - til tider virket det helt unødvendig. Men etter at boken tok tak løftet boken seg, og nå sitter jeg igjen med en opplevelse av at skal du forstå Sør-Amerika, så er dette en av de bøkene du MÅ lese. For lese må du, Sør-Amerika er så komplisert og fassetert at første- og andreinntrykk ikke hjelper.
Boken er som sagt en reise gjennom de fleste landene i Sør-Amerika, hvert land får et fokus på ett spesielt tema, samtidig er dette temaer som gjelder for alle landene reisen foregår gjennom. I Chile er det kvinnesynet og kjønnsroller, i Argentina arbeiderklassens rettigheter, i Brasil raseproblematikk, og i Peru nye religiøse strøminger. Disse analyseres gjennom personlige møter med mennesker utsatt for urett i relasjon til temaene, og et er denne personlige vinklingen og de varme møtene som gjør boken så lesbar.
Samtidig er reisen gjennom Sør-Amerika en reise gjennom livet til Simon Bolivar, kontinentets frihetskjempe som ledet kampen mot det spanske imperiet.
Den femte stjernen mangler av én grunn: Begynnelsen var ikke spesielt god. Men les den hvis du har interesse av kontinentet.

[Chris Steeden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire the author for all his work in getting round South America. It must have been very challenging and tiring. You will learn a lot from this book (I certainly did) on different aspects of South American life within the different countries be it race, environment, politics, domestic abuse, displacement, guerilla warfare etc. The author did not endear himself to me completely which is why the book gets 3 stars from me and not 4. He does not have the wit of other travelogue authors which makes the book a little dry. Still worth a read if you would like to know more about South America.

[Ioana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've not actually finished it - really badly written.

[Josh]

Part investigate journalism, part bumbling traveler, there is nothing earth-shattering on mind-blowing in this book. That said, no one is pretending that to be the case. Oliver Balch spent a year traveling through South America, spending a pretty limited time in each of the bigger countries, focusing on one particular issue . This was a good choice, because there's just not enough space (or time spent in each country) to do anything more than that to any satisfaction. And for some reason framing everything through the lens of Simón Bolívar (thankfully this mostly just manifested as topical epigraphs for each chapter—with the exception of the Venezuela chapter—but now I am waiting for a writer to travel the US analyzing each state through the eyes of George Washington).

There are some serious flaws with this book: it often felt like the author was more keen on catching the next bus than on actually talking to any of the people he was interviewing; it was clear that a lot of his travels were based on a few friends he had here-and-there, rather than any principled investigation; and at times he epitomizes the naïve gringo stereotype.

Some of the writing is truly brutal to read:
```
I can almost sense his mathematician's brain buzzing with political theorems and historical equations: Bolívar raised to the numerical power of Chávez equals the logarithm of the Bolívarian Revolution.
'And how long will the fight take, do you think?' A straightforward question, I judge, in search of a straightforward reply. The hypothesis proves incorrect.
The professor's answer comes back like a bad lesson in probability.
```
Yikes.


All that said, I don't think those issues really detract from the book. His haphazard journey makes this a pretty fun travelogue, and although the connections between what he wants to write about and what he ends up writing about are often tenuous, I really appreciated that it exposed me to a lot of low-profile individuals and revealed a lot about how these issues _actually_ manifest in real life, instead of just through the politicized and filtered channels of communication that journalism often operates in. He is very candid about what he knows, what his preconceptions are, and how he finds new 'leads' or new information, so there isn't much in the way of 'received knowledge.' He doesn't shy away from describing any awkwardness or embarrassment on his part, which makes it seem a lot more genuine and relatable.

The chapter on religion in Peru is probably the most interesting. Although there is some discussion revolving around the syncretism of indigenous beliefs with the colonial religion, it completely lacks any real exploration of what those indigenous beliefs actually are. The blurb on the front page mentions that Balch was once a missionary in Bolivia. While I'm glad that this chapter is rather critical (though definitely not one-sided) of missionaries in Peru, it would have been nice to hear his personal past and connection to the issue, instead of him just feigning ignorance on the topic.

A native's perspective would obviously give a very different treatment to the topics than found in this book, but that doesn't automatically make the book bad—there is a lot to be gained from seeing South America as an outsider, and it is easier on the reader since the author makes no presumptions about what the reader might be familiar with. There's also tons of interesting tidbits and corners that Balch happens upon which alone make this a worthwhile read.

While a more nuanced treatment of any of these topics is much needed if you want a good understanding, I think this is a pretty great and very accessible introduction to several socio-political issues in each of the major Latin American countries.


P.S.
Some of the other reviewers have mentioned discomfiting line where the author starts dozing off listening to a woman's brutal experience. I'm not going to attack or defend him but I think it is worth looking at the context:
```
Irma begins a detailed explanation of the legal battle in which she's currently engaged.
'He, of course, denies everything...'
As she describes the litany of abuse she's suffered, I find myself drifting off.
It's my fourth day on the trail of domestic assault in Concepción. I've heard a dozen or so testimonies, all of them gut-wrenching. Slowly, though, my initial anger and disgust at the depravity of their partners is softening. Better, perhaps, it's retreating — withdrawing behind an emotional wall of my own making. Each blow, each bruise, each broken rib, another brick. This sentiment — or lack of sentiment? — disturbs me. I am, I fear, normalising.
'Because of the injunction order, he sent my son to ransack the house...' Irma is still talking. Habit and manners keep me noting, but my mind has already turned to the next bus out of town.
```

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest and admit that there were parts of this book were interesting when I read it, but I also had deep reservations about his views on women, queer/gay people, etc. Of course some of them were 'his' views or his reactions so the question of criticism is difficult but one can say he lacks depth or understanding, perception - but that is always going to be difficult in viewing a whole continent - even taking Bolivar as starting point or way of viewing the continent - to much is simp0listic including his view of Bolivar who means so many different things in different places. I certainly gained more about Bolivar from 'The Autumn of the Patriarch' by G.G. Marquez.

The book tries to much over to much of an area without real depth. I can't imagine it being worth rereading now - maybe that is unfair - but it take a lot for a work of travel/history/observation to rise above its immediate circumstances and find a lasting place in literature, this is certainly not a 'Roads to Oxiana' nor is it even pastiche Chatwin. I didn't hate it but I've read more newspaper/magazine articles with greater depth and shelf life.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good travelogue and time capsule of South American affairs during the 2000s, this provides a lot of useful information on a range of issues, most notably indigenous rights across a range of countries. The format is clever in that the author uses an exploration of one country and a key issue per chapter. The book foreshadows some of Simon Reeves’ televisual explorations of similar topics and indeed, the researchers behind those series may well have used Blach’s book as background. The rise of Evangelical Christianity, leftism in Venezuela under then then still alive Chavez and silver mining exploitation are among other topics.

[Sigrun · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is interesting enough, it's following a journalist through various countries in South America. A combination of travel journal and sort of essay on socio-economic and political hot topics ( poverty, corruption, domestic violence, gender rights, race etc.) it's falling short on creating a coherent narrative. Each chapter, although well written and presenting vivid local voices, is touching on a different country and topic only problem is that it feels that there is no common thread linking them and no direction or conclusion.

[AB Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simón Bolívar, El Liberador of South America, looms large in this travelogue through nine of the continent's countries. With each chapter prefaced by a Bolivarian quote, the author explores attributes of each country, asking...what's gone right, and what's gone wrong?

4 stars. The premise is clever. Attach a specific issue that each country is dealing with and unravel its manifestations. Obviously, details matter in the telling, yet the connections to both people and place at the heart of Balch's reportage examine those issues through the most important lens: the people's humanity.

[Stephanie Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't decide if I like this book or it appalls the bejaysus out of me. It pulls no punches and manages to reveal the violence and horror of life in South America - it covers most of the countries, I think it misses a few teeny ones - yet there is a beauty and humour in it that shines through. It could do with updating, as my copy was about 10 years old, but I somehow doubt very much has changed, which is a great pity. A wonderful and fascinating read, but not for the fainthearted.

[Kevin Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting account of Balch’s time living and working in South America. Having travelled extensively in the continent I enjoyed returning to many places and similar experiences on the road. Reminded me of Dalrymple’s Age of Kali in terms of an outsider’s perspective on a complex socio and political landscape.

[Aneurin Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ollie, he writes honestly, in the moment. You feel as if you live and breathe with him. You see what he sees, whether you agree or not he is your eyes. What I really love, is his love for this wondrous continent. Not just his love for the continent but the love he has for the people who make up South America.

[Chris Turnbull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters better than others. Have a good insight to the huge variation of culture across the continent which was useful when I actually visited the countries.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

some of the language is a bit dated but incredibly interesting & colourful reportage

[Alejandro F · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks Oliver for reminding me why I left my Country ✨

[Verity Blakey · Rating 3 out of 5]

i like the idea behind the book (taking a theme for each country and exploring the country through this) and the author meets a lot of interesting people but balch himself comes across as quite insufferable. he looks down on everyone he meets and assumes superior knowledge etc. in literally everything even when conversing with natives of a country who are experts in the subject. nowhere is this more true than with regards to women who are all, it seems, smart and ugly, or attractive and stupid. the chile and gender chapter is particularly painful and why he feels the need to comment on the attractiveness of a 16 year old girl who has suffered sexual abuse in the family home, and has had to turn to being a prostitute to support herself is beyond me. I found the opening of this chapter particularly inane as balch attends a religious celebration and is shocked when the middle aged plus women he talks to have conservative views of womanhood and he endeavours to find out for us whether all women in chile have the same view as them(middle aged to elderly women attending a religious celebration - spoiler alert, they do not)

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise introduction to some of the politics and tourist spots of South America. The chapters are nicely split up and its easy and mostly enjoyable to read. For a 400 page book it takes a pretty good stab at describing some of the major issues in most of the South American countries (missing Uruguay, French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname but including Cuba), describing interesting places and tying this all together with the history of Simon Bolivar. It definitely leans more on the politics side of things (which I liked) and sometimes introduced groups or Spanish words without giving an explanation of what they mean or represent, which could have easily been sorted out in the editing process. I found it got a little dry at times and had to abandon it for a few weeks in the middle, which is why I'd score this a low 4/5.

[Juliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, just the right balance between journalism, history, a travel story etc. He picks out one topic in each country he travels to (e.g. religion in Peru, native tribes in Ecuador...) and diggs deeper into it. That's a great concept since you can't possibly write everything on every country without writing an enzycolpedia. Or better than just touching on 10 topics without going depper into it in each country.
His style of writing is entertaining yet intelligent. Recommended to read for people who are into politics, human rights, anti-imperialism etc.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packing a continent’s worth of countries into a single book does not allow for a lot of nuance, though journalist Oliver Balch’s journey through South America is a satisfying foray into some of the general ills plaguing the region. Those who already follow Latin American politics will not find a great deal that is new here, though Balch’s keen eye and sharp wit still make this an interesting read.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most in-depth book on the continent (considering he only dedicates about 30-40 pages on each country). However, he does provide a quick summary of the current state of a certain topic for each country. For example, the section on Peru is about religion, while the section on Brazil is about racial equality. An easy and fun read, but it leaves you wanting more...

[James Bunyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting as Balch journeys through the continent, interviewing and visiting. I learned plenty and want to go to S America as a result!
He covers:
Bolivia & economics
Chile & women
Argentina & politics
Paraguay & human rights
Brazil & race
Peru & religion
Ecuador & native peoples
Colombia & violence
Venezuela & revolution

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice survey of life in South America. My problem with the book is that the author focused on only one aspect of life in a country. Domestic violence in Chile, for example. I would have preferred a broader look at each country.

[Roisín · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this book. I think it's quite well written and I am sure if someone is really interested in South American politics then this would be a good book to read. Just wasn't my thing.

[Marcel Dekker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but not what I had expected. Whereas I bought the book in order to read it as a travel book, it is instead packed with political observations, which are very subjective, to say the least.

[Carmilla Voiez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the dynamic and traditional cultures of South America and how "The Liberator" has impacted on their lives to this day. Taking countries and subjects hand in hand it is never repetitive and reads like a travel guide for leftists.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting to "visit" South America. Very sad in places, frustrating in others but a great book.

[Russ Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it for the memories it brought back of South America but it was just a bit political at times.