Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar

A Memoir

By: Virginia Vallejo, Megan McDowell - translator

Narrated by: Almarie Guerra

Now a major motion picture!

Pablo Escobar was one of the most terrifying criminal minds of the last century. In the decade before his death in 1993, he reigned as the head of a multinational cocaine industry and brought the Colombian state to its knees, killing thousands of politicians, media personalities, police, and unarmed citizens.

In the 1980s, Virginia Vallejo was Colombia’s most famous television celebrity: a top-rated anchorwoman and a twice-divorced socialite who had been courted by the country’s four wealthiest men. In 1982, she interviewed Pablo Escobar on her news program, and soon after, they began a discreet—albeit stormy—romantic relationship. During their five-year affair, Escobar would show Vallejo the vulnerability of presidents, senators, and military leaders seeking to profit from the drug trade. From Vallejo’s privileged perspective and her ability to navigate the global corridors of wealth and high society, Escobar gained the insight to master his manipulation of Colombia’s powerful elite and media.

Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar chronicles the birth of Colombia’s drug cartels: the kidnappers, the guerilla groups, and the paramilitary organizations. It is, above everything, a great love story—a deep and painful journey through a forbidden relationship—that gives us an intimate vision of the legendary drug baron who left his mark on Colombia, Latin America, the United States, and the world forever.

Hard to take seriously

It’s hard to take seriously because she is clearly exaggerating. I’m left very unsure about this read.

loving Pablo.hating Escobar

este es el libro más aburrido que he escuchado .no lo compre.this tve most boring book i ever listen

Twisted Love Story

Decent story line - felt like it could’ve been a little shorter but insightful from a historical standpoint

A novela that was entertaining to listen to

I really felt like I was in Virginia's shoes . It was an insight into the life of the rich and famous, which was eye-opening for me. Such a different world they live in . It's easy to see how she was drawn to Pablo Escobar.

Amazing life of a woman

All I can say is, God protected this woman, there is no way that anyone could’ve survived and come out alive in such circumstances. No way! She lived to tell the story. Loved the book.