If you loved
News of a Kidnapping
Gabriel García Márquez · Book · 2014
If News of a Kidnapping hooked you, you will appreciate these stories that explore the brutal intersection of high-stakes political corruption and individual survival.
Films on the same thread
High and Low
Film · 1963
Like the harrowing hostage negotiations in News of a Kidnapping, this film centers on the agonizing moral weight and impossible choices faced when an innocent life is used as leverage.
Scarface
Film · 1983
This film provides the visceral, high-octane origin of the drug empire that creates the atmosphere of terror and political instability so masterfully documented in News of a Kidnapping.
El Infierno
Luis Estrada · Film · 2010
This story mirrors the grim reality of News of a Kidnapping by showing how systemic corruption and the rise of cartels force ordinary individuals into impossible, life-altering survival scenarios.
Il Divo
Paolo Sorrentino · Film · 2008
Much like the political machinations surrounding the kidnappings in News of a Kidnapping, this film exposes the inscrutable and shadowy nature of power at the highest levels of government.
Series on the same thread
Surviving Escobar - Alias JJ
John Jairo Velásquez · Series · 2017
This series offers an intimate look at the collapse of the Medellín Cartel, providing a chilling, grounded perspective on the criminal figures who drive the events in News of a Kidnapping.
Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord
Carlos Moreno · Series · 2012
If you were captivated by the background of the Medellín Cartel in News of a Kidnapping, this biographical drama provides a broader context for the rise of its infamous leader.
Narcos
Chris Brancato · Series · 2015
This series expands on the chaotic landscape of Colombia’s war against drug cartels, capturing the same intensity and systemic danger that define the narrative of News of a Kidnapping.
El Chapo
Daniel Posada · Series · 2017
This series tracks the lifecycle of a notorious kingpin, echoing the historical gravity and focus on cartel power dynamics that serve as the foundation for News of a Kidnapping.
Podcasts on the same thread
Criminal
Vox Media Podcast Network · Podcast · 2026
This podcast shares the investigative spirit of News of a Kidnapping by exploring the complex moral ambiguities and human stories hidden within the mechanisms of crime and legal consequence.
Bag Man
Rachel Maddow, MS NOW · Podcast · 2023
This investigative work uncovers deep-seated political corruption and institutional secrecy, reflecting the same focus on the abuse of power that García Márquez critiques throughout News of a Kidnapping.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is News of a Kidnapping based on a true story?
Yes, News of a Kidnapping is a non-fiction account of the 1990 kidnappings of ten notable Colombians. Gabriel García Márquez documents the real-life ordeal of these individuals as they were held captive by Pablo Escobar to prevent his extradition to the United States.
How many people were kidnapped in News of a Kidnapping?
In News of a Kidnapping, Pablo Escobar kidnapped ten notable Colombians to use as bargaining chips. The book details the survivors' perilous experiences and the complex negotiations conducted for their release during this period of intense instability in Colombia.
Who is the author of News of a Kidnapping?
News of a Kidnapping was written by Gabriel García Márquez. Known for his poetic style, he applies this narrative approach to report on the drug cartel activities of Pablo Escobar and the impact these events had on the country of Colombia.
Is News of a Kidnapping available in digital formats?
Yes, News of a Kidnapping is available as an eBook. This edition allows readers to access the detailed account of the 1990 cartel kidnappings and the resulting political drama in a digital format for the first time.