Country at the Edge of Nowhere shares your observations and experiences of living through an oppressive regime of power. Why was this an important book for you to write?

When one is young and full of ideas, when one is eager to effect change in society, a change that benefits all, one can easily fall prey to populist politicians and charlatans. These demagogues appeal to the feelings, not the logic, of people. So, one follows these politicians who promise you the stars and the moon and justice and all those promises we all know fairly well. But once they are in power, their true colors start to emerge. It all comes down to the same story: greed, power, corruption, hatred for those who do not support them.

This book is a warning, a cautioning against those manipulators. We need to ask more questions to really evaluate the promises made and keep those in power accountable. In America, with all we have gone through, it is easier to do that. But in countries under firebrand dictators, like Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, China, Zimbabwe, Equatorial New Guinea, etc., it is more difficult. And dangerous, even mortal. But we must do what we must do. I made those mistakes once; I wouldn’t want my children and grandchildren to repeat them.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

Probably the act of facing the dire consequences of supporting a revolution that betrayed its people, it promises. Albert Camus was right: all revolutions devolve into dictatorships, and revolutionary leaders into satraps that, once they get hold of power, never want to let go. We see all over the world how millions of people are forced to abandon their homes, emigrate, try to start all over again in a different country with a different language and culture. Many never make it. Many have no choice but to stay behind and suffer oppression, hunger, prison time, abuse, and the loss of freedoms. Freedoms that we previously took for granted. It’s also hard to write about not being able to do anything, the hopelessness, the powerlessness. To just hope that future generations will have the wisdom to do the right thing, the courage to fight back and topple all tyrants.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

I wanted this book to be a recording of history, in the most general terms. What happened in Nicaragua is happening in other countries all over the world. Democracy is such a fragile thing, even in America.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Country at the Edge of Nowhere?

The knowledge to ask the right questions; the desire to stand up and speak up; the courage to be free. Thank you so very much for the opportunity.

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