- Paperback: 371 pages
- Publisher: St. Martin's Press (May 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0312330340
- ISBN-13: 978-0312330347
- Product Dimensions: 20.6 x 16.7 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
927,943 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #22 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Central & South America > Bolivia
Marching Powder
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Product Description
Review
Thomas McFadden was a minor drugs dealer in Bolivia who was summarily arrested and thrown into jail, the notorious San Pedro Prison. Within the grim walls of the corrupt institution, he discovered a world which mirrored many of the wrongs of South American society at large: bribery, drugs, intimidation and violence at every level. McFadden needed to raise $5,000 to get released and how he managed this - for instance, by giving backpackers tours of the prison - is much of the story. Inevitably, Marching Powder recalls the nightmarish world of Midnight Express, but is sufficiently different in its own right to remain compelling. Young's account was written partly during a three-month stay with the unfortunate McFadden and reeks of authenticity. Not for the faint-hearted, perhaps, but those who enjoyed Killing Pablo may see this often surreal history as some sort of follow- up and it should do well.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
A gripping, sometimes surreal account of surviving one of the world's craziest and most dangerous prisons.
--This text refers to an alternate
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An insight into one of the most fascinating though thoroughly grim prisons in the world. Its hard to take in what you're reading, knowing it actually happens in a prison. I have moral issues with Thomas, though as a survivor nobody can fault his sheer stamina and drive to better himself in the face of well, some hell of an adversity within prison life. This book offers a truly insightful view of a world a million miles away, totally beyond our own comprehension.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book, written by first time author Rusty Young, gives an absolutely rivetting account of life for a british drug-smuggler in what must be one of the most corrupt prisons in the world (not only do inmates have to buy their cell as if they are buying an apartment, they even have to pay an entry fee on first arrival). The book, although actually a biography which is written in the form of an autobiography, combines humour, horror and romance and introduces the reader into the fascinating life of a drug-smuggler, user and convivt and also the truly incredulous corruption found at just about every level in Bolivia to provide a thrilling read. I couldn't put it down.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Since finishing this book (a fortnight ago) it has been passed on to three of my friends all of whom have found it an amazing read. Having grown up in South America I'm very aware of the corruption that takes place, but I was still completely dumb-struck by the activities of San Pedro prison. My feelings towards Tomas are slightly mixed, while I admire his survival instincts and business accument I can't forget the fact that he is guilty of his crime and hasn't apeared to have learned anything about the effects of drug trafficking/taking. Read it and see for yourself.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Marching powder
One of the best books I've read! It made me smile, but also want to cry for Thomas and what he has to suffer in prison! It's very well written. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Rosie
Fantastic captivating book
Fantastic captivating book. I loved Shantaram and this book is up there with that master piece. Really intriguing and fascinating book. Recommend it!
Published 27 days ago by C. Kingsbury
Cocaine trafficker spends time in San Pedro jail in Bolivia
I found this book absolutely riveting and illuminating. Life in a Bolivian jail is described in full. At times shocking. Very readable.
Published 1 month ago by linda sommer
Good story
Excellent story! Definitely an eye opener into the unknown truth! It is sometimes so crazy it doesn't seem real. Not a literature master piece but a good interesting read.
Published 2 months ago by MR O J BIRKWOOD
a proper page turner
One of the best books I have read in a long time.
What a great read giving an insight into prison life on the other side of the world. Read more
What a great read giving an insight into prison life on the other side of the world. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mr. T. Jones
Excellent Read!!
I would recommend this book to anyone - I can't rate it highly enough. So gripping I didnt want to finish the book!
Published 3 months ago by CRC_2012
Marching Powder
A very childishly written account of the most bizarre prison experience. Annoying in that there is no background detail on the main character - no reasons for him being a drug... Read more
Published 3 months ago by anon
Fantastic
An amazing insight into life in a bolivian prison. Some of the things written about seem unbelievable to western eyes, but tally with the things I was told about the prison when I... Read more
Published 4 months ago by bigmac0
thank you
i was very happy with my purchase of marching powder. despatch and delivery were all on time. the product arrived in good condition so i am overall very pleased. thanks again
Published 4 months ago by Liam
Excellent
One if the most informative and eye opening books I have ever read. I believe a movie is being made about it. If it is as good as the book it will be a box office hit
Published 4 months ago by Lynne Hudson
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