The Corner of the Living

"Engagingly written and well-researched, La Serna’s book is an invaluable contribution for understanding the rise of the Shining Path and communities' responses to it. — The Americas

“Represents a major and original contribution.” — Journal of Latin American Studies

“La Serna’s argument is compelling and persuasive. . . . The writing is vivid, the research impressive, and the analysis lucid.” — Steve Stern, The Historian

“Well written, engaging and accessible. . . . La Serna has produced a work that will stand as a key source for understanding Peru’s Shining Path war and indigenous peasants’ complex participation in the conflict.” — Canadian Journal of History

“Highly recommended. All levels/libraries.” — CHOICE

“La Serna’s archival research and field work are impressive and his writing is strong and confident. With lucid analysis, cutting-edge research, and a fascinating topic, this book is at the forefront of its field and will be of interest to all students of Latin America.” — Charles Walker, University of California, Davis

“This book adds a new dimension to our understanding of Peru’s war by focusing on two mountain villages at the very center of the storm. La Serna’s knack for storytelling and clear, smart prose make the book accessible to both lay and undergraduate readers. His empathy for the villagers enables him to bring to life their motivations and sensibilities and gives us new insight into the predicament of the rural poor everywhere.” — Orin Starn, Duke University