Review of Ghosts of Panama: A Strongman Out of Control, A Murder… by Author’s Name
As someone whose reading tastes lean more towards the rich cultural tapestry of Panama rather than the cloak-and-dagger world of espionage, stumbling upon Ghosts of Panama at Costco felt like a delightful surprise. My excitement—muffled by trepidation, knowing it dwells heavily in military territory—soon gave way to an urge that I simply couldn’t resist. Regardless of my reservations, it’s a book about Panama, and I knew it had to make its way into my reading list.
At its core, the book tracks several intelligence agents through the tumultuous events leading up to the U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989. Spanning from 1986 to several days post-invasion, the narrative unfolds in a gripping manner, though it was far from smooth sailing for my reading experience. I found myself navigating a sea of historical inaccuracies that cast a shadow over what could have been a stellar work.
While the author attempts to weave a tapestry of military and political intrigue, they stumble occasionally, as evidenced by glaring mistakes like the mislabeling of December 19, 1989, as a Monday (it was a Tuesday!). Such oversights might not be egregious to casual readers, but for someone who delights in precision, they felt like speed bumps in the narrative flow. There are also larger misinterpretations surrounding pivotal moments in Panama’s history; references to the independence movement and key military engagements clash with well-researched accounts, leaving me bewildered and frustrated.
The writing style is largely straightforward, which lends itself to accessibility. The pacing, while generally engaging, is occasionally hampered by the narrative’s reliance on preliminary background that feels unnecessary. The chapters laden with personal stories offer poignant insights, like the harrowing tale of U.S. soldier misconduct juxtaposed against the chilling backdrop of warfare. I especially appreciated the nuanced portrayal of Lt. Paz and the vivid recounting of Kurt Muse’s compelling story, which sharply contrasts the oversimplifications that plagued the earlier chapters.
To add to the mix are a few thought-provoking moments that resonate with genuine human experiences. The author’s acknowledgment of the complex narratives surrounding the invasion, alongside quotes reflecting on the moral ambiguity of such military actions, added depth to my reading experience. Still, the omissions of critical perspectives—such as the impact of friendly fire and the treatment of civilians—left me yearning for a more balanced representation.
In closing, Ghosts of Panama will appeal primarily to those intrigued by military history and U.S.-Latin American relations, but it falls short of being the definitive account one might hope for. For Panamanians and lovers of the country’s deeper history, this book can feel like a tug-of-war between narrative excitement and factual integrity. All in all, my reading experience was akin to a passionate walk through a familiar landscape marred by poorly placed stones; the essence is there, but the journey could have been more enjoyable with careful navigation.
If you’re prepared to grapple with the complexities of military history and honor the voices of those often overshadowed, this book might just spark your interest—even if it leaves you longing for clarity in the clouds of confusion!
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