The Country Between Us

In "The Country Between Us," Carolyn Forché captures the harrowing realities of El Salvador's escalation into civil war during the late 1970s. Through her poignant poetry, Forché documents the brutal human rights abuses she witnessed while working alongside Archbishop Oscar Romero’s church group. This powerful collection, which first gripped readers in 1981 and has never been out of print in the U.S., offers a raw, intense look at the atrocities of war, including torture and murder. Urged by the soon-to-be-assassinated Archbishop Romero to inform the American populace and halt U.S. military aid, Forché's poetic voice became a beacon of advocacy for truth and justice. Recommended for college students studying social justice, particularly in the domains of voting rights and racial justice, this book not only educates but compels readers to reflect on the impact of international policies on human rights. With accolades like the Poetry Society of America's Alice Fay di Castagnola Award and recognition as the Lamont Poetry Selection by the Academy of American Poets, Forché’s work resonates deeply, urging critical reflection and action against injustice.