This book offers a refreshing perspective on Colombian history, underscoring the factors that have fostered viability for the Colombian state and unity within its society, in spite of the violence, inequalities, geographic obstacles, and crises that have continually threatened to pull the country apart. The concise second edition of this synthetic and engaging narrative explores a complex yet resilient contemporary Colombian society and examines possible paths toward a peaceful future.

Lina Del Castillo, University of Texas at Austin

This insightful book grounds the reader in the social and economic roots of Colombia’s long history of violence, but more importantly, it offers a banquet of insights into Colombian identity and nationhood—ranging from its early use of aerial ski lifts for coffee distribution to the country’s literature, art, and theatre. It’s all here and it’s a fascinating read.

June Carolyn Erlick, editor-in-chief of ReVista, the Harvard Review of Latin America and author of A Gringa in Bogotá

This book is a concise, comprehensive, and refreshing account of Colombian history, society, and culture. While LaRosa and Mejía do not ignore the topics of conflict, violence, and fragmentation, they highlight the often-overlooked features that have served to unite Colombia as a nation, including Catholicism and education as well as sports, soap operas, music, and modern technology. In doing so, they capture the complexity, vibrancy, and richness of the Colombian people and their history.

Hayley Froysland, Indiana University South Bend

This synthesis of Colombia’s modern history is an extraordinary example of scholarly innovation. LaRosa and Mejía’s presentation of this national history in thematic chapters immerses the reader in a thought-provoking and original consideration of deeper historical patterns. The result is a pleasure to read.

Joshua Rosenthal, Western Connecticut State University

Without engaging in whitewashing or leaving behind academic rigor and meticulous historical detail, the authors . . . have maintained an engaging balance between the more tragic aspects of Colombian history and its successes. . . . Their narrative is present-focused and organized thematically, rather than following a standard chronology. It explores in small, easily digestible sections subjects like demography, political culture, infrastructure development and, of course, conflict. . . . The book, written in English as a collaboration between two historians from the United States and Colombia, is intended for a foreign audience of non-experts. However, it manages to engage, and even surprise, readers that might be more familiar with Colombia. Those that have spent significant time in the country will recognize in the book’s pages the quirky details of Colombian life that tell as much about the country as the goriest details of its civil war. . . . I applaud Mejía and LaRosa for abandoning the seductive lure of gore in Colombian history and making an honest and serious effort to tell a more complete and complex story.

ReVista: Harvard Review of Latin America

LaRosa and Mejía iconoclastically focus on the factors that produced cohesion in Colombia between 1800 and 2011, rather than on the violence that has torn the country apart. Their topical chapters highlight the existence of long-lasting constitutions, two national political parties, a diverse but predominantly mestizo and urban population, recent improvements in transportation, a common language and religion, a healthy economy, and an appreciation for culture that has produced internationally prominent artists. They correctly note that Colombia was not uniquely violent in 19th-century Latin America. . . . Although keeping the focus on the resiliency of the people who have suffered through decades of tragedy, the authors do discuss enduring social problems like the highly unequal distribution of income. Their approach provides a good corrective to much current scholarship on Colombia. . . . Recommended.

Choice Reviews