Passionate, demonstrative, emotional
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Nando Parrado reminds me very much of two other South American authors: Paulo Coelho and Eduardo Galeano. That's not necessarily a compliment either. In fact it isn't a compliment at all. At times I felt this to be too mawkish and sentimental. In fact throughout the book it is mawkish and sentimental. There's too much love. Everybody is so wonderful. The author is so deficient and unworthy (in his own words). I'm probably sounding like a barrel of laughs here but why should I lie? I think perhaps this is a cultural thing. I don't want to start stereotyping anybody but that's exactly where I'm going with this: perhaps people with a fiery Latin temperament will enjoy this more than those saddled with Anglo-Saxon reserve? Perhaps? Who knows. Apart from the beginning and end, where Parrado introduces and sees off his fellow victims respectively in tedious detail (like what kind of a rugby player they were and how many children they've got and what their names are) the middle bit, which deals with the ordeal itself, is excellent. Anyway I'm giving this four stars because Parrado is a brave guy and this is a fascinating story.
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"Alive" is vastly superior
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There is no denying that Nando Parrado is a hero. His escape from the Andes in 1972 was one of the most audacious feats of endurance ever undertaken by a man. For those of you who do not know the story, you will be amazed.
If you already know the story of the Andes plane crash in 1972 you will most likely be disappointed by this book. The book describes events through the eyes of Nando. Much of it is Nando talking about his feelings towards his family, God and escaping.
My main criticism of the book is that it passes over the events too quickly. Because of this you never really empathise with their suffering. The lack of a descriptive narrative leaves you unable to place yourself in Nando's situation as he focuses too much on his thoughts and feelings. |ts almost as if he expects you to have read "Alive" - the definitive biography of the events in the Andes by Pier Paul Reid.
After they are saved, it rushes far too quickly over his career as a racing driver and as a husband and a father. At the end of the book Parrado writes that he didnt want to repeat what has already been written yet he fails to really give you anything in depth about his life after the rescue. And that is what is fundamentally wrong about this book - it is rushed.
"Alive" is a vastly superior book about the events in the Andes, written by a vastly superior author and I would recommend anyone to read "Alive" first. Miracle in the Andes gives you nothing new (in the way of facts) except for some brief details about his life after the rescue.
Where Parrado does succeed in this book is in his ability to truly let you know who he is. After reading this book you be in no doubt what a modest, selfless and loving man Parrado is. He spends so much time writing about how brave his companions were and he is constantly telling the reader that in fact was a coward almost overcome by his fear.
Its safe to say that Parrado is slightly embarrassed by his tag as a hero and is trying to readdress the balance by promoting all the other survivors (and victims) as heroes falsely overshadowed by the gallant Nando Parrado.
To me this seems unnecessary and futile. Parrado is a hero whether he likes it or not. Achieving what he did under those circumstances is truly miraculous and will always remain so.
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Stunning
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This is, without question, one of the best books I have ever read. You may think you know the story but this book moves it onto a different level entirely. I guarantee, you simply will not be able to put it down: an old cliche but, in this case, absolutely true. The proof is that, although you know the outcome, you read each page believing they simply won't survive. That's not to give the impression that this is melodramatic and over the top: far from it. This is as sensitive an account as you will ever read. And the bonus in the final section is Parrado's views on life, love and religion; if you are not moved by this man's honesty, you never will be. The key to the success of the book is Raus's totally brilliant job as a ghost writer. His articulation of Parrado's thoughts is done with an economy of words which nevertheless describes each situation with clarity and simplicity. It is so effective, you are right there in the Andes. It is beautifully written. I can not recommend this book highly enough.
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Lost for words . . .
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. . . Well, almost. This is, quite simply, one of the most moving and life-enhancing books I have read. I managed to put it down for just three and a half hours - to get some sleep - while reading it in one sitting. It's one of those books you want to put into the hands of all your friends and beg them to read it. I was completely overwhelmed by the strength and courage of Nando and the other survivors - and indeed of those who fought so bravely to stay alive, but eventually lost the battle. If you never buy another book this year, buy this one. You won't regret it.
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Compelling and inspiring
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I read this book over a few days. Each time I picked it up I ended up reading for much longer than I had planned as it was difficult to put down. Nando's story is incredible, and we find out so much more about what he was thinking than in Alive (the book and the film). We follow his high points and low points, and I was inspired by his message that love is what saved him. I think it would be impossible to read this book and not gain a fresh perspective on life and love. As I was reading I got very involved in the story, as his thoughts and feelings are portrayed so well.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
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