The Best of What We Are : Reflections on the Nicaraguan Revolution

The Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua inspired many North Americans, including the author of this moving and informative book. John Brentlinger made six trips to Nicaragua, both before and after the defeat of the Sandinista Party. Combining the insights of a philosopher with the experiences of a participant-observer, he interprets the Sandinista period as a people's struggle for self-realization in work, culture, politics, and community.The book alternates between journal and essay chapters, weaving descriptions of personal experiences together with interviews and analysis. Whether telling the story of the last day of a young teacher's life, describing new forms of poetry and art, examining representations of Nicaragua in the U.S. media, or discussing the government's successes and failures, Brentlinger vividly captures the spirit and enduring significance of the Sandinista revolution. Personal Impressions Of Nicaraguan Revolution Based On Six Trips Over Seven Years. Standard Internacionalista Fare, Apart From Last Chapter On Years 1991-92 Addressing Some Fsln Mistakes--handbook Of Latin American Studies, V. 58. 1. Managua Journal, 1985 -- 2. Sandino, Revolutionary Prophet -- 3. Condega Journal -- 4. Norma: On Sexism And Moral Change -- 5. Yali Journal -- 6. Necessary Poetry -- 7. Matagalpa Journal -- 8. Where Is The Revolution? -- 9. Politics And Representation -- 10. Managua Journal, 1991-92 -- 11. Socialism And The Sacred. John Brentlinger. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. John Brentlinger made six trips in seven years to Nicaragua, most recently in 1991-2. In this volume he combines philosophy with reportage in portraying the Sandinista revolution as being less an economic and political phenomenon, than a human struggle for self-realisation.