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"Isadora" is so over-protective of herself, her marriage, her position, and her feelings that what we are left with is little more than datebook entries. I read the book because I'm in love with Cuba, but I didn't recognize its spirit in this smug musing on a privileged life in what could be any third world country.
I've been to Cuba, and spent most of my time in Havana. Every morning while walking even to get a cup of coffee (which Tattlin describes as nearly impossible -- if you believe her version the only place to get food is at her house or in a paladar), I met with beautiful music, beautiful voices, and cheerful conversations among Cubans on the sidewalks and streetcorners.
Not that Habaneros are elated 24/7, but there is a wonderful outlook and wonderful talent among the people that I feel is completely overlooked by those who only go to the society-filled cultural events. Isadora should have skipped some of the Castro affairs and tried walking down the street and listening to the various impromptu performances going on.
Yes, some of Cuba is depressing. Doctors, engineers, scientists are impoverished and many drive taxicabs or cater to tourists to make ends meet. There are too many government restrictions. The paladares Tattlin frequents were prohibitively expensive when I was there (early 2001) due to a crackdown and exorbitant taxation by the government.
Tattlin's descriptions of the government, the difficulties Cubans face in getting provisions, and the vast disparity between the haves and have-nots were very good. I just expected, because this was supposedly a diary, a little more depth, feeling, and gut reaction.
To see a city free of Starbucks, Orange Crush, Burger King, and new model Fords is a travel experience nearly impossible for any American, and well-worth the trip. Please don't believe Tattlin's description that it is squalor.
Tattlin does border on more meaningful sentiments, as when she says she will remember her staff always as she's driving away for the last time. But it's too little too late. I wanted to know her personal reactions to her staff. Why she did forgive the few thefts that happened in her home on her watch? Why did she feel conflicted (and I think she was) by the way she lived there?
You can be privileged, you can call your faithful staff "the help," you can travel back and forth to the U.S. and bring 400 lbs of provisions back to the food- and essentials-starved Cuba, but you cannot ignore the emotions, talent, beauty, and gifts this country has to offer.