Evo Morales: The Extraordinary Rise of the First Indigenous President of Bolivia
"Evo Morales is already a historic figure. The best known Bolivian since Bolivar, he is a political leader with a difference because he won office after years of popular mobilization with an unprecedented mandate for political, economic and cultural change. Evo's presidency is the product of mass struggle, but as Martin Sivak's vivid study shows, the president is also a remarkable man. Sivak has plainly gained unusual access through winning Evo's trust, and this is an understandably sympathetic study. But it is also independently-minded, insightful and attentive to the details that do not flatter. This true insider-account is indispensable for understanding 21st-century Bolivia, and it will unsettle a good many easy convictions on both sides of the fence."--James Dunkerley, author ofBolivia: Revolution and the Power of History in the Present"A vivid and moving portrayal of one of the most fascinating figures of our times, this book is also an entertaining romp through recent Latin American history. Like Morales himself, this intimate story of his life, from Aymara shepherd to powerful President, constantly surprises and enthralls us."--Ariel Dorfman, author ofDeath and the Maiden "Nearly five centuries after the Spanish conquest of Bolivia, race-based slavery still remains in force in many places in that high, wondrous country.  This is why Evo Morales, along with the indigenous-rights activists, environmentalists and trade unionists who helped elect him, matter enormously for the health of democracy in the Americas.  And I can think of no better guide to the hopes Evo represents, and the change he has managed to achieve, than Martín Sivak, one of Latin America's most respected non-fiction writers.  Sivak's meticulously observed biography is important and compelling."--Greg Grandin, author ofFordlandiaandEmpire's Workshop“Evo Morales is geared to become a major player on the world stage.  In this first ever biography, Martín Sivak reveals the fascinating man behind the politician.”--Nikolas Kozloff, author ofHugo ChávezFor the Spanish Edition:“The narrative force of a novel and the seriousness of the best journalism.”—Tomás Eloy Martínez, author ofSanta Evita“Delivers a captivating story of the path of the first indigenous president.”--La Prensa, Bolivia“Promising to be the best journalistic book of the year.”--La Nacion, Argentina“Sivak is the journalist who knows Evo Morales the best.”--El Mundo, Spain