As an adventurer who has already seen the famous sights of Cuba, you may be looking for a way to truly understand its culture and history. Lucky for you, books can provide just that and more – they can offer a witty window into Cuban life that is further than what appears in guidebooks. From intimate memoirs to humorous dictionaries, this blog post contains a broad selection of literary works that will help uncover all dimensions of this captivating country. Whether you’re Here are some of our suggestions: top books if you are planning on visiting Cuba or have already been there — these titles should give you a fresh perspective as well as insightful knowledge about the island-nation’s past and present. So grab your favorite spot in your living room – because it’s time to start seriously exploring one of the world’s most dynamic places!
Our Woman in Havana – Reporting Castro’s Cuba
Sarah Rainsford
Experience the captivating story of Cuba as it stands on the brink of a new era. For three years, the BBC’s ‘woman in Havana,’ Sarah Rainsford, takes us on a journey inside the tightly controlled one-party state. Get a glimpse into the lives shaped by Fidel Castro’s massive social experiment and uncover the true spirit of a nation as the six-decade rule of the Castros comes to an end.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of pre-revolutionary Havana, as Rainsford explores the echoes of Graham Greene’s Havana and the footsteps of other famous writers who were captivated by its allure, a city where ‘every vice was permissible.’ Through their tales, and the stories still being told today, Our Woman in Havana paints a mesmerizing portrait of this enigmatic country at a pivotal crossroads in its history. Join us as we uncover the secrets and dreams of a nation on the verge of change.
Los Cubanos – Searching for Cuba’s Soul
Volker Figueredo-Veliz
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Cuba!
Get ready to be enchanted by the alluring charm of Cuba, a destination that captivates photographers with its exotic allure and romantic atmosphere. While some are fortunate enough to spend weeks in Havana, others take day-trips to the tobacco farms in Valle de Vinales or venture to the eastern tip of the island to explore Santiago de Cuba.
However, photographer Volker Figueredo-Veliz sought something more. He yearned to immerse himself in the authentic, everyday life of the Cuban people. Living in Havana’s old town, he embarked on a daily exploration with his camera, capturing the essence of the city for months on end. No longer satisfied with cliched images of Cuba, he aimed to uncover the enigmatic soul of this vibrant nation.
Embracing each day with an open mind and no specific agenda, Figueredo-Veliz witnessed countless transformative stories unravel before his eyes. From quaint everyday scenes to quiet, poetic moments, and even unexpected and sometimes outrageous occurrences, his experiences became a tapestry of the Cuban spirit.
This awe-inspiring collection, titled “Los Cubanos,” is not just a series of black and white photographs frozen in time. It is a portal that breathes life into these images, accompanied by the captivating stories that lie behind them. With an introduction by Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony DePalma, this book is a true testament to the soul-stirring beauty of Cuba.
Cuba – An American History
Ada Ferrer
Experience the sweeping history of Cuba and its intricate connection to the United States in this Pulitzer Prize-winning and Los Angeles Times Book Prize-winning masterpiece. Award-winning historian Ada Ferrer takes you on a captivating journey spanning over five centuries, revealing the conquests, colonization, slavery, independence, and revolution of this remarkable nation.
But this isn’t just a story about Cuba alone. Ferrer uncovers the surprising and often troubled intimacy between Cuba and the United States, shedding light on the profound influence the United States has had on the island and the recurring presence of Cuba in American affairs.
Through meticulous research and firsthand experiences, Ferrer paints a vivid picture of this complex relationship, inviting readers to reimagine a new future between the two nations. Prepare to be inspired and filled with hope as you close the pages of this fascinating book.
With its lively insights, lucid prose, and uplifting stories, “Cuba: An American History” is a monumental account that will leave you captivated and yearning for more. Don’t miss out on this awe-inspiring exploration of the past that has the power to shape the future.
Unfinished Business – America and Cuba after the Cold War, 1989-2001
Morris Morley, Chris McGillion
Unlocking the Truth: Revealing the Real Motivations Behind U.S. Policy Towards Cuba
Join us on a fascinating journey as we delve into the intricacies of U.S. policy towards Cuba in the post-Cold War era. In this groundbreaking study, Morris Morley and Chris McGillion provide unparalleled insight through interviews with key policymakers, congressional participants, and leaders of the business community.
Prepare to be amazed as we uncover the astonishing truth – both Bush and Clinton operated within the same Cold War framework that influenced their predecessors. Moreover, we expose the underlying driving force behind U.S. policy post-1989: domestic imperatives. As a result, the actual agenda had nothing to do with its stated objectives of promoting reforms in Cuba, but everything to do with dismantling Castro’s regime.
Hold onto your seats as we delve into the international consequences of this policy. Witness the extraterritorial applications of national laws to America’s allies and the reckless disregard for the operations of the global free trade regime. Brace yourself for a stark revelation – U.S. policymakers demonstrated a striking lack of realism about America’s capacity to impose its will globally.
Join the esteemed authors, Morris Morley and Chris McGillion, as they bring their wealth of expertise to the table. With esteemed backgrounds in teaching and journalism, their unique perspectives shed light on the intricacies of this captivating subject.
Don’t miss out on this enlightening study that uncovers the hidden truth behind U.S. policy towards Cuba. Buckle up for a thought-provoking exploration that will challenge your understanding of global power dynamics.
This Is Cuba – An Outlaw Culture Survives
Ben Corbett
Step off the beaten path of tourist-filled Prado Avenue in Central Havana, and discover an extraordinary side of Cuba. A parallel Cuba, where its resilient people fight for survival amidst the constraints of Castro’s Revolutionary program. Journalist Ben Corbett unveils the daily lives of those who defy the regime and strive for a better future. Are they criminals or brilliant survivors in the face of a four-decade-long mistake? Cuba stands at a crossroads between socialism and capitalism, and This Is Cuba invites you into the homes, rooftops, parks, and streets where tales of determination, hope, and resilience unfold. Get ready to be inspired and moved by their stories. Now with a captivating new preface.
Bay of Pigs Declassified – The Secret CIA Report on the Invasion of Cuba
Peter Kornbluh
Discover the long-awaited and highly classified report that unveils the truth of the Bay of Pigs disaster – an unprecedented glimpse into the covert world of the Cold War. Unveiled through the Freedom of Information Act, this remarkable account uncovers the arrogance, ignorance, and incompetence of high-ranking officials during the ill-fated invasion of Cuba. Immerse yourself in the intrigues of espionage as the complete report, accompanied by supplementary materials, sheds light on the power struggles and secret plots reminiscent of a thrilling Le Carre novel. Directed by Peter Kornbluh, the Cuba Documentation Project at the National Security Archive provides invaluable government documentation for informed public discourse. Don’t miss out on the full CIA report, critical analysis, response from mastermind Richard Bissell, exclusive interviews, a comprehensive chronology, and biographies of key participants. Delve into this captivating piece of history now.
After Fidel – Raul Castro and the Future of Cuba’s Revolution
Brian Latell
Unveiling the Hidden Story of the Castro Brothers: A Tale of Collaboration and Succession
Get ready to be captivated by the extraordinary journey of the Castro brothers and the impending transfer of power from Fidel to Raul. In this unprecedented account, CIA analyst Brian Latell shares his unique insight into the remarkable relationship between the two brothers.
Discover how Fidel and Raul have worked together in shaping policies, dividing responsibilities, and bridging disagreements for over four decades – shattering the belief that Fidel always acts alone. With unparalleled access to the brothers, Latell’s briefings to the CIA have greatly influenced US policy.
Drawing on his deep understanding of Raul Castro, Latell offers compelling projections on Raul’s leadership style and how this shift of power could impact US-Cuban relations.
Prepare to be inspired as you delve into this behind-the-scenes masterpiece, shedding light on a story rarely told before.
