This book by Alan Woods is essential reading for all those who want to understand what is happening in Venezuela today. But this is no mere description of events. It is a powerful Marxist analysis of the Venezuelan Revolution, its weaknesses and strengths, its contradictions and unique characteristics. The book was not written with hindsight., Every chapter, beginning with the coup of April 2002, was written as the events themselves were unfolding, and traces the winding course of the revolution. They reflect the immediacy and lightning speed of events happening before our very eyes.

Alan Woods has been a consistent champion of the Venezuelan Revolution since its inception. He helped initiate the Hands Off Venezuela Campaign. He has held personal discussions with Hugo Chavez, which are recounted in this book.

The author concludes that the Venezuelan Revolution cannot stop half-way and holds up the perspective of a victorious socialist transformation. It explains that only by expropriating the power of the oligarchy could it succeed and spread to the rest of the continent. This analysis is thus incredibly pertinent given recent events in the country.