During my first visit to Argentina, way back in 2014, I read something in a guide book that struck me quite forcibly. The writer said that all famous Argentines — including politicians, generals, artists — were polarizing figures.  They all had their supporters and detractors.

Except one: General José de San Martin — El Libertador.

When I read that, I was immediately intrigued, and the more I read of San Martin the more fascinated I became.

He was known as El Libertador because he liberated from Spanish domination

My sketch of the monument in Plaza San Martin, Buenos Aires

not only Argentina, but also Peru and Chile. He was a brilliant soldier and, by all accounts, respected by those under his command as well as the population in general. In every Argentine city I’ve visited, there is at least a street and more often a square named after him. The one in Buenos Aires features one of the most beautiful monuments in the city — and there are many beautiful monuments here.

A couple of years ago, there was an event featuring all the bookstores on Avenida Corrientes — and there are lots of them. Old fashioned bookstores that actually sell books, and that night they were open until one o’clock in the morning. All busy, not only with browsers but with buyers. That night I bought this book about San Martin.

I began to read it and found it fascinating, although reading a history book in another language is quite challenging. I took it back to Toronto with me, but didn’t continue reading. When I moved down here I brought it back with me, and this week I came across it again on my bookshelf.

Yesterday I started to read it again, and I’m impressed all over again by this man they call The Liberator. He earned his title honestly and it’s no surprise he is probably Argentina’s greatest and most loved hero.

Viva El Libertador!