Mrs Escobar - Victoria Eugenia Henao

Reading Challenge Category: Fancied reading more on the subject

Official Blurb:

The closest you’ll ever get to the most infamous drug kingpin in modern history, told by the person who stood by his side.
The story of Pablo Escobar, one of the wealthiest, powerful and violent criminals of all time has fascinated the world. Yet the one person closest to him has never spoken out – until now. Maria Victoria Henao met Pablo when she was 13, eloped with him at 15, and despite his numerous infidelities and violence, stayed by his side for the following 16 years until his death. At the same time, she urged him to make peace with his enemies and managed to negotiate her and her children’s freedom after Pablo’s demise.
On the 25th anniversary of Pablo’s death, the most intriguing character in the Escobar narrative is ready to share her story and reveal the real man behind the legend.

My Thoughts:

I recently delved into "Mrs. Escobar" by Victoria Eugenia Henao, and I must say, it's been quite an engrossing experience. After immersing myself in the world of Pablo Escobar through the TV series Narcos, I found myself eager to explore more about his life and the people who orbited it. This book was my chosen path, and I'm glad it won that decision.
Henao's narrative allowed me to fill in the gaps left by the series, and I've become a relentless storyteller to my husband, regaling him with all the intriguing details I've discovered. The treatment Tata received from Pablo's enemies was nothing short of atrocious. While I can't say I'm entirely convinced of her complete innocence in the tumultuous events, it's clear she wasn't the one orchestrating the violence and killings.
What struck me as particularly disheartening was how the men she encountered after Pablo's demise treated her. Their conduct towards her was shameful, and it sheds light on the patriarchal nature of that world. The resilience and strength she displayed in such circumstances were truly commendable.
One aspect I found noteworthy about the book's structure was its segmentation. Rather than being a straightforward chronological account, each chapter covered a specific facet of events, such as Pablo's lovers, Tata's artistic pursuits, and the wars she endured. The section dedicated to Tata's artwork, while detailed, might have been a tad excessive for my taste, but I understand its significance in portraying her character and experiences.
In conclusion, "Mrs. Escobar" proved to be a very insightful read. It deepened my understanding of the complexities surrounding this notorious figure, and it has piqued my interest to explore more books on this dark chapter of history.