SHORT WALKS FROM BOGOTA : JOURNEYS IN THE NEW COLOMBIA PB – TOM FEILING

For decades, Colombia was the narcostate . Now it s seen as one of the rising stars of the global economy. Where does the truth lie? How did a land likened to paradise by the first conquistadores become a byword for hell on earth? And how is it rebuilding itself after decades of violence? Writer and journalist Tom Feiling has journeyed throughout Colombia, down roads that were until recently too dangerous to travel, talking to people from former guerrilla fighters to nomadic tribesmen and millionaires. Vital, shocking, wry and never simplistic, Short Walks from Bogota unpicks the tangled fabric of Colombia to create a stunning work of reportage, history and travel writing. Books of the Year 2012 Boyd Tonkin, The Independent Creates a portrait of Colombia that is perceptive, unsensational, and full of humanity … Feiling is a brilliant reporter, lucid, unflinching, morally engaged, and with an occasional deadpan sense of humour .. one of the most consistently intelligent and compelling books to have appeared on any South American country in recent years Michael Jacobs, Independent Tom Feiling takes us on an enlightening journey through a changing country that few understand Rachel Aspden, Observer A deeply political account of one man s journey to the violent heart of modern, rural, Colombia … a must read Kevin Howlett, Colombia Politics Feiling… venture[s] into areas that have been off limits for decades … the sense of a vibrant nation worth discovering peeks out Siobhan Murphy, Metro The best British travel writers like Norman Lewis or Bruce Chatwin give the reader more than simple travellers tales. Feiling is of their company … a brilliant, penetrating and highly readable account Robert Carver, Spectator Some of the best insights in the book come from the people Feiling meets, and memorably portrays … a well-written, thoughtful book David Gallagher, Times Literary Supplement Dramatic and captivating Wanderlust Elegantly wr