Listening to Ingrid Betancourt talk about her experience of being held captive in the jungle for six and a half years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, was humbling and life-affirming: humbling because of her strength and the courage it takes to talk openly about her captivity; life-affirming because she proves that pain and hardship can be overcome, and evil forgiven. Betancourt spoke of the ways in which her life had changed since she was released, and of the process of forgiveness which began on the rescue-plane. She spoke of her thirst for learning which was rekindled while in captivity, plans to return to college to study Theology and attempt to learn to play guitar – Betancourt is a truly inspiring woman.
RBS Main Theatre, Aug 29, 4.30pm (5.30pm), £8.00 – £10.00, bfpp55.
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Sections: by Camille Burns - ED2011 Book Reviews | Tags: Baillie Gifford, Edinburgh International Book Festival
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