Customer Reviews

Diary of a Survivor: Nineteen Years in a Cuban Women's Prison

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Anna Rodriguez's story is one that truly describes the oppresive conditions inside Castro's jails, as you read this book, you will realize that there is a certain paradox in the way totalitarian regimes treat its disidents. In this book the prevailing ideology is Communism. In Jacobo Timmerman's "Prisoner without name, Cell without number," the ideology is fascism. So the problem is not necessarily one ideology versus another. The problem is a totalitarian state of the extreme left or right which will use all its might to stifle its citizens.

Oh my gosh! I bought this book for a $1.00 and was just looking for something to read. Ever since then I have become appauled by the courage, committment and loyatly these women had for each other. This book is not a only a diary of a survivor, but also a diary for a survivor, because it has helped me, along with other, survive through each and everyday....Go Anna and the rest of the crew.

I don't know how I stumbled upon this book but I couldn't put it down once I started. While this is a story of Cuba, prison, and women, it is most importantly an inspiring story of courage. Ana is a true inspiration to all women to never stop fighting for what you deserve. She has an enormous amount of self-respect and lived in inhumane conditions for 2 decades because of her beliefs. It was a book I looked foward to reading every day and truely make me feel inspired.

I am not quite sure how I stumbled upon this book, but I couldn't put it down once I began. This is a book about Cuba, prison, women, and most importantly - courage. Ana puts up a fight for 19 years and doesn't give in to anything she doesn't believe in no matter how desperately AWFUL the conditions. She goes through situations that I can not even imagine and has more self-respect than anyone I have ever known. You don't have to know anything about Cuba to read this story. It will inspire you, particularly the women, to be like Ana and always fight for what you deserve.

This was an amazing book! I could not put it down. By the end you feel that you know this woman and you are right there with her. Reading this book has made me realize how lucky I am and brought my empathy to a new level. I recommend this book to everyone!

When I started this book, I was hoping for some unique insight into the Cuban revolution, overthrowing Communism, or Cuban politics. Instead, I got an interesting look into third world prisons, and some graphic descriptions of unspeakable violence, but very little substance. I'm disappointed, but not sorry I read it.