|
Across the dividesChile - a different perspectiveHandy AndesACROSS THE DIVIDES Ray and Gill went to Chile in the early l970s under the auspices of the South American Missionary Society. During their time there they experienced a serious earthquake, a turbulent run-up to a dramatic military coup, and a baby daughter with recurring symptoms of a life-threatening cancer. All scary experiences which are stories in themselves. They went as missionaries, but ended up in the English chaplaincy in Santiago. Being the capital, this was a hub for both generations of wealthy foreign settlers who knew and loved their local family histories; a focus of big-business people who watched the economy like hawks and the inevitable centre for shorter stay diplomats who saw the big picture, as it were — all have been contributory sources of information. During their time there they got to know the people well — a mix of the original Amer-Indians and generations of Chilean- Europeans (mainly Spanish), and all the in-betweens. Whilst there, the Smiths developed a passion for an amazing narrow strip of land (2,600 miles long) which they managed to visit from end to end. This relatively unknown country is still one of the world’s best-kept secrets. As the reader can guess, Ray and Gill have had a very interesting life. It so happened that my years there overlapped with theirs and I was intrigued to read their perceptions of a political struggle between left and right — a period that was almost as significant in Chilean history as Chile’s struggle for independence from Spain some 150 years before. I felt they successfully entwined their own story with a fair assessment of contemporary Chilean history. Gill had kept a diary which provided a unique resource for sharing her up-to-the- minute insights and personal reflections that have richly enhanced her book. They have a fascinating story to tell and Gill is the one who tells it. And she tells it well. Her style is delightful and fresh. Her prose is poetic and graphic, and her narrative is sensitive and gripping. She has a keen eye for detail. Her unique history is compelling and informative. A gentle sense of humour pervades the pages. And an abiding sense of missionary passion provides the driving force. I enjoyed it very much. I might not agree with some of her perceptions of the political situation (as anyone reading my own book Living at the Edge, Arcadia 2002) might discern. But that is understandable — no two people living through that time would have experienced all the same events, known the same informants, or read the same accounts. But don’t be put off by thinking the book will plunge the reader into politics. That is incidental. This is a personal family story which makes for an informative and enjoyable holiday read. Sell your bed and buy this beautifully produced book! You won’t regret it. David Pytches, © Evangelicals Now - August 2008 |