My Life

Since the 1950s Fidel has been leading Cuba, a small country that many people can only relate to holidays, Guantanamo Bay and JFK and the missile crisis. I have been interested in this man and Cuba since I can remember having been told by my peers from a young age that he is a 'dictator', evil and a communist which was all expressed with distaste and yet when people described Che Guevara it was always with affection hence being intrigued by the man and a lifelong interest as to why two people with the same goals could be linked.This book is a long interview between Ignacio Ramonet and Fidel Castro and some critics have described it as biased as `Ramonet is clearly a fan' of Fidel and an `uncritical interviewer'. Even if this is true, is it not a relief that someone has allowed Fidel to put his version of events across without the interference of an imperialistic, American in particular, propaganda slant on it?Fidel Castro talks about his life beginning with his childhood and turbulent school days; his fight to bring down Batista; his views on world and political leaders and of course, the many presidents of the U.S.A including an apparent respect and fondness for Jimmy Carter. He also allows us to see an understanding for JFK's actions if JFK was indeed pressured into the Bay of Pigs invasion which as we all know ended in complete disaster. It is to be expected that he does contradict himself and Ramonet raises these points but other than these, to hear how he has had to live with hundreds of assassination attempts, how to try to keep his people fed and educated (more doctors per capita than most countries in the world), how he felt let down during the `difficult period' by Russian and how the U.S.A do their utmost to squash the last remaining anti-American `way of life' country in the world by whatever means possible whether it is by keeping Cuban aircraft or by sending propaganda radio broadcasts or by criticizing the way political prisoners are dealt with (ironically, Fidel talks about Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp in the American base on Cuba).What does come across is Fidel's thirst for knowledge and his idealistic approach to try and do what is best for his people whether we agree with him or not. His is an attempt at socialism that is sadly alone in a world where capitalism and imperialism rules. He has an ability to describe and recall in detail, battles and their strategies but is also reflective when describing his inspirations by Marti and Lenin. His countless meetings with fascinating people during his long and fascinating life comes across just as one would imagine a modest person to do and he demonstrates this side to his nature by not appearing to be an egotistical, medal wearing asset collector. His storytelling is incredible for an elderly man as his memory is seemingly not faltering and I would happily read, or listen to, his stories for as long as he is willing and able to tell them.A book for academics to read in years to come but also a book for anyone who wants to read about the Cuban version of events and not those of the rest of the world.

`My life' is Castro's autobiography as told in interview form with Ignacio Ramonet and it makes for fascinating reading. You get a question and answer format the whole way through, which actually makes for excellent flow and speedy reading. It is easy to read just one more question, and another and another.... You obviously get Castro's unique take on many aspects of his own and Cuban life and although at times he comes across as particularly angry and firey, generally you get a balanced take on his life events. He seems willing to acknowledge mistakes he's made, as well as inevitably highlighting his successes. It is interesting to get his side of the story on issues such as `Bay of Pigs', `The Cuban Missile Crisis' and the `Special Period' and you slowly realise that the propaganda fed to us in western countries may not be as true as we are led to believe. I read `The Cuban Reader' (an excellent book and highly recommended by the way) at the same time as this book and it made for a more rounded look at the overall picture. For example it is interesting to read Castro's take on homosexual persecution and then read an article in the aforementioned book that shows a similar or opposing view. It enabled me to read this book with a more critical eye and get more out of it. There are two colour photo sections in this book that show Castro at various stages in his life, from pre revolutionary up to aged world statesman. This book shows just how intelligent and charming Castro is, as well as leaving you impressed at his grasp on world history and current affairs. This is an extremely readable book and is immensely insightful and is worth looking at for all those interested in Cuba and Cuban life. As long as you are aware of the bias any autobiography engenders and are prepared to look a little deeper, this has so much to offer it would be remiss to not read it at some point.Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

Excellent. Very well written and intriguing to hear directly from Fidel in his own words (Fidel edited the book before it was published) so it's completely as he wanted it to be written. The interview is broken down by individual question and answer - making it easier to digest and work through the book - as it is very detailed and lengthy. After visiting Cuba earlier this year, I came away with a growing curiosity about this influential and highly respected figure - this book did not disappoint.

I gave this book five stars because it is the only record that I have found which is printed in interview format. The questioner spent many hours talking to Fidel Castro and has produced this "one on one" record of their conversations. Here we have the real happenings of Castro's life and the reactions of the world during his rise to victory and subsequent events which are part of world history.For those of you who have wanted to know more about the world's greatest "Presidente" and the way his mind works, this is the book for you. Over 700 pages of question and answer and additional facts related to world issues make this book a fascinating read.

This without a doubt is one of the best books I have ever read. I am a huge fan of what Fidel, Che and their army of Cuban farmers and rebels achieved in such a small country. In this book, it is personal. We get to hear Fidel's life story and it is highly recommended. One of the few icons still alive from the political side of things and this will probably his one and only personal book before he leaves this planet. It reads like a question and answer style which is very easy to read.

If you're here reading reviews about a book on Fidel Castro, all I can say is buy it.The writing is sublime, as can be expected from a writer of Ramonet's calibre, and as always, if you are able to, read it in Spanish. He pulls no punches, and Castro is as open as can be hoped for.Just an outstanding book on an incredible man.