Cuba Libre!
Che, Fidel, and the Improbable Revolution That Changed World History
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Cuba Libre!
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Narrated by:
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Robertson Dean
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By:
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Tony Perrottet
About this listen
The surprising story of Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, and the scrappy band of rebel men and women who followed them.
Most people are familiar with the basics of the Cuban Revolution of 1956-1959: it was led by two of the 20th century’s most charismatic figures, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara; it successfully overthrew the island nation’s US-backed dictator; and it quickly went awry under Fidel's rule.
But less is remembered about the amateur nature of the movement or the lives of its players. In this wildly entertaining and meticulously researched account, historian and journalist Tony Perrottet unravels the human drama behind history’s most improbable revolution: a scruffy handful of self-taught revolutionaries - many of them kids just out of college, literature majors, and art students, and including a number of extraordinary women - who defeated 40,000 professional soldiers to overthrow the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.
Cuba Libre!’s deep dive into the revolution reveals fascinating details: How did Fidel’s highly organized lover Celia Sánchez whip the male guerrillas into shape? Who were the two dozen American volunteers who joined the Cuban rebels? How do you make lethal land mines from condensed milk cans - or, for that matter, cook chorizo à la guerrilla (sausage guerrilla-style)?
Cuba Libre! is an absorbing look back at a liberation movement that captured the world's imagination with its spectacular drama, foolhardy bravery, tragedy, and, sometimes, high comedy - and that set the stage for Cold War tensions that pushed the world to the brink of nuclear war.
©2019 Tony Perrottet (P)2019 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
“An excellent chronology of Cuba’s liberation - dramatic, human, and illuminating.” (Paul Theroux, author of The Great Railway Bazaar)
"An excellent new entry on the subject, with a memorable opening line and highly enjoyable chapters. If you read only one recent book on Cuba, have it be this delightful popular history." (Library Journal, starred)
“Perrottet’s history excels in putting a human face on the fighters...the revolution’s real stars were the smart and strong women who acted as spies, couriers, logistical experts, and ultimately as the bravest, fiercest, and most indispensable combatants.” (Booklist)
"A juicy jungle opera.... Fascinating...[Perrottet's] lively, gossipy account steps back and allows the characters to speak for themselves.... Humor abounds throughout the book, too." (Los Angeles Review of Books)
What listeners say about Cuba Libre!
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Robert K
- 08-03-21
Great story, told in an engaging way
Usually war books are boring, even for those who love the subject, this book is very engaging.
Would recommend to anyone.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kieron Casey
- 18-03-19
Incredible
This is an incredible book - i don't have enough superlatives to describe it. Tense, moving and often funny, this is a clearly painstakingly researched book which provides detailed context and fascinating details on the Cuban revolution. filled with facts I've never heard before, this would be the best adventure novel I'd ever consumed if it wasn't for the remarkable fact this is non-fiction. The narration is a joy to listen to; calm and perfectly placed. No hyperbole - i felt like I was walking on air at points whilst I listened to this. I particularly loved the insights into Fidel Cadtro's often ludicrous optimism, and the rarely told exploits of the supporting cast - the little cowboy, the gringo commandante, the all-woman column. Finally, it is a wonderful thing to hear Celia Sanchez get the credit she is due for helping to change the world forever.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ian
- 25-01-22
A revolutionary read
Expertly narrated and beautifully written account of some extraordinary human beings, their vision and their dedication to the cause and their country.
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