Publisher's Synopsis
On April 11, 2002, nearly a million Venezuelans marched on the presidential palace to demand the resignation of Hugo Chavez. The opposition represented a cross-section of society furious with Chavez's economic policies, specifically his mishandling of Venezuelan oil. As the day progressed, the march turned violent, sparking a military revolt that led to the temporary ousting of Chavez. Over the ensuing turbulent seventy-two hours, Venezuelans would confront the deep divisions within their society and ultimately decide the best course for their country-and its oil-in the new century. Drawing on unprecedented reporting, Nelson renders a mesmerizing account of the coup. An Economist Book of the Year, The Silence and the Scorpion provides rich insight into the complexities of modern Venezuela.
