Circle of Love Over Death: The Story of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo

Circle of Love Over Death is an outstanding book written by Matilde Mellibovsky. It gives true testimonies given by the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. Before reading this book I knew nothing about the Argentinian war. This book opened my eyes and made me realize the tragedy that was occuring there. I was shocked to read about the disappearences that were happening. Each testimony showed the pain and suffering that was going on. It also showed how the Mothers and Grandmothers never stopped fighting for answers and justice. I would definatly recommend this book.

Circle of Love Over Death is an outstanding and emotional book. It engulfs the reader through the real-life stories of the Mother's of Plaza de Mayo. Matilde Mellibovsky's choice to structure this book as a testimonial, allowed the readers to feel the pain of the mothers of the "disappeared." Circle of Love Over Death explained the process of the disappearances and the pain of not knowing whether their realtives were alive or dead. It explained the formation of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, the obstacles they had to face, and the political advances that came from the group's activities. This is an excellent book that explains a tragedy in history through personal experiences.

This book takes you through the lives of the mothers of the diappeared in Argentina. You hear the mothers speak of the heartbreak that they face everyday. The book shares the testimonies of many of the Mothers of the Plazo de Mayo. You have no choice but to become deeply involved in the lives of the people in this book. You are told about how mothers have been forced to watch as their children as pulled out of their home, and then the mothers never see them again. You have to put yourself in this position. Could you, would you allow someone to do this to you and get away with it? These mothers won't and they are not afraid to show it. They make their presence very much known, and they are not going to give up until they get the answers that they deserve. This book tells you of the everyday lives of these women. They are willing to give everything they have to find out what has become of their lost family members.

"They took the best of a generation...They didn't even let us know why they took them away either." This is just one example of the testimonies of the mothers who children "disappeared" In a time of dictatorship, children were disappearing left and right with no explanation. All of the mothers banned together and marched in a circle on Thursdays in the Plaza, hence the name Cirlce of Love. The main focus of the mothers was trying to get information. Any information at all would be taken with great depth and give them hope to carry on. This book really speaks about the love that these women had for their children and the love they still carry on. Even when they only got silence when questioning authorities they still marched on. They even marched on after they knew that all the disappeared were dead. These women and mothers not only had to struggle dealing with their childen's disappearance, but they were also forced to live in fear. Parent's had to fear their children's activities, whether they be students going to a school meetings, teachers, or working towards a career, everything was a motive for repression. Because of the disappearances so many loved ones were forced to change their way of life. They changed their habits and social and family customs. Everyone was forced into live in fear.This is a very emotional book. But I think that it is something that everyone should read and be aware of. The testimonies of these women are the truth, and there is no hiding the truth.

Circle of Love Over Death paints a realistic, and inspiring, picture of how "ordinary" women faced with terrible loss(es)-- the loss of their children -- are fighting for justice. There is background text for each chapter, followed by testimonies of mothers whose sons and daughters "disappeared." The "children" (most of whom were in their late teens to mid-twenties) were from varied backgrounds and ethnic groups, but they shared a deep desire to better the lives of the poor, and acted upon that desire. This was their crime. The mothers' testimonies often relate gruesome, shocking details. Their stories are filled with not only indescribable pain and loss, but with the adamant refusal to be a victim.After more than twenty years, and at risk of personal safety, these courageous women continue their struggle. Their goal is twofold: for justice for the disappeared, and to call the world's attention to this flagrant violation of human rights. Their Thursday afternoon marches around the Plaza de Mayo have attracted worldwide attention and support. Warning: This book may inspire you to become more involved with social justice and global concern for humanity.