Customer Reviews

Without Fidel: A Death Foretold in Miami, Havana and Washington

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

about cuba . The latest from the hot shot NYT Vanity Fair investigative journalsit ALB . No one knows Cuba like Bardach .If you want to sound like ur in the know when it comes to things cuba get the low down from the ultra insider ALB .and if u still have not read her Cuba Confidential get it as the companion . I had been waiting for the follow up for years and now that it is here well i got through it in 2 nights and wanting more . really makes u get to cuba before the hordes,

Ms. Bardach's knowledge of Cuba and Fidel is unsurpassed. She presents a reporter's view: unbiased and crisp information exposing a failed system run by a prideful dictator who refuses to let go. She makes the point that all of the players are getting too old for this, it is time to move on. Everyone should read this book, particularly younger generations of Cubans on both sides of the water that want to connect with lost family, culture and history.

I would like to be the first to contribute to the C.S. Hirsch Fund for Mr. J. Lopez' lobotomy. Having read and enjoyed her earlier book - Cuba Confidential - I am not surprised that Ann Loiuse Bardach's - Without Fidel - is not only a refreshing, unbiased look at one of the world's most intriguing political figures, and a compelling story of a beleaguered country confronting it's future without him, it is also a thoroughly enjoyable read, written with style and wit. I highly recommend it.

...there were many other well-written comments that echoed my own feelings--about the depth of knowledge and information, the even-handedness, the humor, etc. that I prefer to use this space to establish a fund to help defer the costs of a lobotomy for Mr. J. Lopez.

On a more serious note, when the reviews are running 5 or 5 to 1 in favor, the only thing Ms. Bardach has to worry about is that not enough people will find out what a great book this is.

C.S. Hirsch

Forget the ranting/tiresome political stances and how they polarize discussion of Cuban affairs--on either side of the argument, and both sides of the Florida Straits as well as both sides of the Atlantic. Ann Bardach's research and writing about current realities and ancient historical disputes over Cuba are unmatched by any American (and probably all European writers on the topic as well). I've followed her writing for years, and have known the inside edge of these issues, too. From what I know of her examination of Cuban issues (not what I *believe* is any bias she would have), I can say without hesitation that Ms Bardach has no ax to grind whatsoever. She is the old-school journalist who cares only for uncovering a story, confirming sources, and then carefully reporting the truth without any bias for politics.

I read this book having very little background in the subject and found it riveting. It is incredibly informative but still filled with wit and insight and is a compelling read throughout. No matter where you stand on the subject and the man, you will find the book fascinating.

This is a great analysis of why Cuba and the USA have not mended fences. The US has reached out to former enemies in the Soviet Union, Red China, North Korea, and even Vietnam. They have relations with these nations, even though there is distrust. The Cuban regime is a different matter. 20% of the Cubans have emigrated out of Cuba and form a resolute block on making common cause with the Communist regime in Havanna. These aging Cuban Americans have prevented a foreign policy reapproachment with Cuba.

Two have to tangle in this deceit, and Fidel Castro has still wielded the nationalist bat against the American "Empire". He continues to stir up trouble, even though his country is shattered economically. Fidel will not live forever, but his rage against America continues to influence the policy of his brother Raul.

The author has written a down the middle review of what troubles Cuba-American relations. Both sides have to give to receive. In the process of giving, there could be real economic and political changes in Cuba. However, the Fidelistas need to give up the government, and the Cuban American community has to overturn these rotten laws Washington has enacted.

I felt this is a needed book of reform for both Washington and Havanna. Change can help heal the rift in Cuban American relations.

Very impressive, with hundreds of detailed accounts of international relationships and events of Castro's Cuba with others, unfortunately, to the point of confusion. If this is what you are looking for, then I would recommend this book. On the other hand, don't read it if interested in a book on Castro and his family and inner circle. While this is included, it is not the bulk of the book. It began to feel as though the author was trying to name as many people as she could who she knew had had some Castro/Cuban contact at some point. There was close to nothing on Cuban culture. The book did provide an interesting glimpse of Fidel's personality and psyche - I would have liked more of that insight covered.
Overall, I'm glad I read the book. It sparked my interest in reading more about our enigmatic southern neighbor.
Lastly, the title of the book is a little confusing. I felt as though the author expected Fidel's death was much more imminent than it's turned out to be. And yet, it is in her book where she so clearly makes the case for his longevity by covering his illness, medical treatment and will to live from 2006 forward.

An exellent book for those of us that are interested in Cuba and its future.

I could have read through Anne Bardach's gross cliches ("Gossip is the national pastime of Cuba, followed by baseball and sex") and overlooked her failure to get a single Spanish-language quote right ("casi un tribo," "porque de unas cosas personales," and so on). The gross inaccuracies were harder to take from a former NYT writer (putting Mexico's Carlos Salinas in the "pantheon of Hispanic strongmen," describing the non-alingned movement as "somewhat like a Third World NATO"). Harder to overcome is the final realization that the sloppiness is not wanton. This is a gossipy and shallow book, badly written and organized, and poorly edited. Mildly interesting at times, perhaps enough to help you finish it. Do not let this become the only book you read on Castro or the Cuban Revolution. Pick up Brian Latell's "After Fidel" instead. Not perfect, but a masterpiece next to this one.