Nicaragua Divided: La Prensa and the Chamorro Legacy

Pedro Joaquin Chamorro, publisher-editor of the widely read Third World newspaper La Prensa , was assassinated in Managua in 1978, an event that triggered the Sandinista revolution that brought an end to the Somoza dictatorship. Quoting liberally from Chamorro's combative articles, essays and books, Edmisten chronicles his relentless opposition to the Somozas, his imprisonment, torture, exile and courageous return. Also examined is the ideological split within Chamorro's family, reflecting the complex nature of what the author calls ``this wrenching transitional period'' in Nicaragua. Two of Chamorro's children are Sandinistas; his widow, Violeta, is the United Nicaraguan Opposition presidential candidate. Edmisten, who teaches education at the University of West Florida, maintains a neutral political position--but lauds the Sandinistas for accomplishing a significant reduction in the infant mortality rate. Those who closely follow events in Nicaragua will find the book crucial reading. Photos. (Apr.)