Hacer vivir, hacer morir

"Hacer vivir, hacer morir" (To Make Live, To Make Die) is a book published by the collective Editorial Tinta Revuelta, in collaboration with Dalma Emilce Lobo and other authors, including Ana, Juliana, Stancy, Nati, Fer, Lourdes, and Geral. The book is a collection of stories and reflections from six women who were incarcerated in Argentina for minor crimes. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Incarceration and Precarity: The book highlights the precarious conditions of life in Argentine prisons, particularly before and during the pandemic. It underscores the struggles and vulnerabilities faced by the women in these institutions.
2. Resistance and Hope: Despite the harsh conditions, the women's stories convey a sense of resistance and hope. They emphasize their desire to live and not die, symbolizing their resilience and determination.
3. Everyday Life and Language: The book uses everyday language to describe the experiences of the women, making their stories relatable and authentic. This approach underscores how language can both sustain and destroy life.
4. Justice and Activism: The book invites readers to think about new forms of justice and activism, encouraging a reevaluation of how society treats its most marginalized members.

Plot Summary

The book consists of personal narratives from six women who were imprisoned for minor offenses. These stories detail their daily struggles, the emotional toll of incarceration, and their efforts to maintain dignity and hope despite the harsh conditions. The narratives are raw and unflinching, providing a glimpse into the lives of women often overlooked by society.

Critical Reception

1. Authenticity and Impact: Critics have praised the book for its authenticity and impact. The use of everyday language makes the stories feel true to life, and the book's function as a space for knowledge about the realities of prison life is highly valued.
2. Luminosity Amidst Darkness: Despite the dark themes, the book is described as "luminoso" (luminous) because it highlights the women's determination to live and not die. This hopefulness is seen as a powerful message for readers.
3. Call to Action: The book is seen as a call to action, encouraging readers to think about new forms of justice and to support marginalized communities. It is recommended as a must-read for anyone interested in social justice and human rights.

Additional Context

• Publication Details: The book was published in 2020 by Editorial Tinta Revuelta, a collective known for its commitment to social justice and marginalized voices.
• Digital Availability: The book is available in digital format, including an English translation, which provides broader accessibility to its message.

Overall, "Hacer vivir, hacer morir" is a powerful collection of stories that sheds light on the lives of women in Argentine prisons, highlighting themes of resistance, hope, and the need for social change.