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Frank Pais: Architect of Cuba's Betrayed Revolution

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Frank Pais was one of the most important revolutionary leaders in the struggle against Batista. Unfortunately, he has been largely forgotten by scholars and journalists. Jose Alvarez makes an important contribution to Cuban historiography by bringing Pais to life. This work is long overdue.

When most people think of Cuba, they think of one man -Fidel Castro. This controversial dictator stole the country and the attention of the world. His infamy has overshadowed the contributions of other great men who had part in the Cuban revolution in the 50s.

Frank Pais was one man whose contribution is mostly forgotten. Frank Pais was a part of the "26 of July" movement that resisted the government and planned its overthrow. He is theorized to be the true power behind the success of the revolution and a dangerous threat to Castro's ability to take power. Pais' charisma held groups together, buoyed the spirits of the rebel forces. His quick mind organized effective forces and sabotages. His incredible contribution was cut short at the age of 22 under questionable circumstances.

Written by Jose Alvarez, Ph.D., a fellow militant and "26 of July" member, Frank Pais: Architect of Cuba's Betrayed Revolution is a well researched and enlightening look at a public figure who has been hidden from the world's eye for over 50 years. The fact that the author was there and witnessed first hand and participated in many events brings strength to the story that a mere historian cannot write.

A must for college courses on Cuba's revolution and for anyone who wants to understand the evolution of modern politics in Cuba, Frank Pais is enlightening and educational.

Once I started reading it I was not able to let it go until finishing it! A great historic book for those of us that have followed the Cuban Revolution of Fidel Castro, although seldom mentioned there had been three additional revolutions in Cuba 1868, 1898 and the one against Machado. Frank was a young man with an idealistic future, full of life, full of hope, but naive as to what he seeked in a country loaded with mental dictators just waiting for an opportunity to become the Caudillo (President) of our republic and continue the killings and theft that Cuban governments had become known for in essence, how we learned to rule from our former colonial oppressors, Spain.

His death brought upon Cuba the death of a real martyr. His death moved the masses and thus added more fire to a poltical inferno that was going on in Santiago de Cuba, his city, in the mid to late 50s, the cradle of Castro's revolution.

Although outlined as the "real brain" of the "revolutionary movement" I would tend to disagree with that statement as there were many involved, although Castro, as per usual, took all of the credit. But he was the mover and shaker, one that was sacrificed and taken advantage of as has been the fate of many others that were involved with Castro. His ideals were exploited, but in a different way from what he really promulgated.

Everyone knows about Castro, but do they know of the strategist behind him? "Frank Pais: Architect of Cuba's Betrayed Revolution" tells the story of Frank Pais, the organizer behind Fidel Castro's revolution who met his mysterious end at the age of 22, allegedly for not being the best of friends with his leader. Revealing a different angle of the Cuban Revolution, "Frank Pais" is a highly intriguing, entertaining, and educational read.

This a great biography of Frank Pais and his significance during the struggle against Batista in the mid to late fifties. It hints at the truth. It makes a case for what many in Santiago knew at that time, that Vilma Espin turned him in to pave the way for Fidel getting control over the Cuban revolution, great read!