Nicaragua in Focus: A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture

The only possible improvement would be an updating of this book, now five years later, with the free and fair re-election of Daniel Ortega once more as President of Nicaragua, and moving towards the Bolivariano international movement of Latin America. This book adequately, clearly and comprehensively covers the history of this nation from William Walker to the aerial bombardment of the civilian city of Ocotal by US Marines to the most recent times, reported very objectively despite what appears elsewhere upon this page by those who might not have seen the same book as the one I received. I find this book very objective, wel-researched, written and reported, and very thorough. It is a wonderful addition to any school library at any level, and a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about this intriguing and exciting nation. I lived there. This book tells it like it was, and is. And that excellent cover photo of the woman with the generous warm smile selling tostadas in the market is making my mouth water with warm memories of happier times. Not only for the student, but also for travellers. Excellent and updated travellers tips are included for which I can vouch, including how safe it once was while I lived there, although less stable now after the intervening US supported Aleman and Chamorro governments which enslaved Nicaragua once more in globalization and sweatshops and slavery. Very good book to prepare for any trip to Nicaragua. This is a good book, believe me, and the photos are also great. PLEASE DO AN UPDATE SOON!

I have gone to Nicaragua two or three times a year over the past 25 years. This little book is a good overview of the country without getting ideological. It is a few years out of date, but it seems to me pretty accurate. I will order it for my university students who go with me next year.

The only possible improvement would be an updating of this book, now five years later, with the free and fair re-election of Daniel Ortega once more as President of Nicaragua, and moving towards the Bolivariano international movement of Latin America. This book adequately, clearly and comprehensively covers the history of this nation from William Walker to Ocotal to the most recent times, reported very objectively despite what appears elsewhere upon this page by those who might not have seen the same book as the one I received today. I find this book very objective, wel-researched, written and reported, and very thorough. It is a wonderful addition to any school library at any level, and a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about this intriguing and exciting nation. I lived there. This book tells it like it was, and is. And that excellent cover photo of the woman with the generous warm smile selling tostadas in the market is making my mouth water with warm memories of happier times. Not only for the student, but also for travellers. Excellent and updated travellers tips are included for which I can vouch, including how safe it once was while I lived there, although less stable now after the intervening Aleman and Chamorro governments. Very good book to prepare for any trip to Nicaragua. This is a good book, believe me, and the photos are also great. PLEASE DO AN UPDATE SOON!

This book is a great quick review of the important historical issues and trends that have affected Nicaraguans. I spent a month in Nica back in Jan 06. I'm looking forward to returning and would recommend this book to anyone going who is interested in understanding where the people have been and where they are going.

If you're serious about visiting and understanding this undiscovered Central American country, then `In Focus - Nicaragua' should be in your suitcase. This is not a travel guide, thus, I also recommend that you take with you a great travel guide. Consider either `Moon Handbook: Nicaragua' or `Footprint - Nicaragua'. (see my reviews) . Hazel Plunkett has done her homework. Her short digest of Nicaragua is informative, well written and pensive . When you finish the 94 pages you will have a solid perspective of this country. Her slightly to the left political leanings are evident as she examines the history (often tragic), the politics (for centuries - oppressive and tyrannical) and the economics (exploitive - the small elite use with disregard the impoverished majority who struggle to live) of Nicaragua.If the publisher would upgrade the mediocre maps, and if Plunkett would enhance her sparse recommendations in her "Further reading section", and give reason why she included them in this section (none of her reading recommendations have a comment to why they were recommended). These few positive corrections would make this very good book into an excellent book. That said, I strongly recommend this short text for anyone visiting Nicaragua 4. 5 stars.