Description
Fidel Castro is perhaps the most charismatic and controversial head of state in modern times. A dictatorial pariah to some, he has become a hero and inspiration for many of the world's poor, defiantly charting an independent and revolutionary path for Cuba over nearly half a century. Numerous attempts have been made to get Castro to tell his own story, but only now, in the twilight of his years, has he been prepared to set out the details for the world to read. Drawing on more than one hundred hours of interviews with journalist Ignacio Ramonet, a knowledgeable and trusted interlocutor, this spoken autobiography will stand as the definitive record of an extraordinary life lived in turbulent times.--From publisher description.
Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Scribner (2009), Edition: Illustrated, 736 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member theboylatham
Seven out of ten.
A biography of Fidel Castro based on hours of interviews with him. Very interesting in his early life and the start of the revolution. Dwindles toward the end.
A biography of Fidel Castro based on hours of interviews with him. Very interesting in his early life and the start of the revolution. Dwindles toward the end.
LibraryThing member ShaiShap
Very surprising book. I'm not a fan of the Cuban politics and not generally a fan of politicians' biographies, but Fidel Castro, regardless of any disagreements I might have with him, is apparently an interesting person. There is much I didn't know about the past and present situation in Cuba, and
I think everyone with an interest in politics who does not know Cuba beyond what western media says, should read this book and get a taste of the other side of the story. It won't "convert" you to the other side, but it will give you a more complete picture.
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while of course everything in such a book should be taken with a grain of salt, an important part of a political leader is the way they choose to present themselves to the world. And Fidel Castro turned out to be quite different than I expected from the mainstream media.I think everyone with an interest in politics who does not know Cuba beyond what western media says, should read this book and get a taste of the other side of the story. It won't "convert" you to the other side, but it will give you a more complete picture.
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LibraryThing member kerpami
I ran into a wall halfway through this. It was very readable and interesting and I think it is very important to get perspectives from outside America on things we accept as black and white as we do Cuba, but I need more context about the country's history before I know what to do with words from
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someone in power in it. Show Less
LibraryThing member the.ken.petersen
I rather like this reworking of the idea of a biography. Instead of an enhanced timeline: George Smith was born on... and ..., this is based upon approximately 100 hours of discussions between the author and the subject.
Hearing Fidel Castro's own views is fascinating. One has to accept that the
Hearing Fidel Castro's own views is fascinating. One has to accept that the
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final text was checked by him before publication, but even so, the person who comes out of this story is a warm hearted man acting for the betterment of the people of Cuba. It is strange that the USA talks so much about freedom, but only gives the freedom to follow its lead. As soon as any person/country wants freedom, they must be exterminated. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Booklist Editor's Choice: Adult Books (Biography — 2008)
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
9781416562337