What To Do About Injustice? Unpacking “What You Have Heard Is True”

What You Have Heard is True by Carolyn Forché is a powerful memoir about a young poet's unexpected journey into the heart of El Salvador's political turmoil. At twenty-seven, Forché meets a mysterious man who invites her to witness the growing crisis in his country. She becomes entangled in a world of military officers, impoverished farm workers, and clergy striving to help the poor. As the country edges toward civil war, Forché is both observer and participant, learning about the horrors of political violence and developing a deep sense of social responsibility. Her experiences, from evading death squads to forming deep bonds with those she meets, shape a radical act of empathy and moral awareness. The memoir blends her lyrical prose with the stark realities of war, offering a transformative look at human suffering and courage.