Combining unprecedented access to the personal archives maintained by Guevara's widow, carefully guarded Cuban government documents, and extensive ...
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Jan 15, 2012
Mitchell A.
rated it: 
A great biography about a generally misunderstood figurehead. I have seen to much crap with Guevera's face on it; tees, bandanas, medallions, pencil holders, etc. His persona has been so commodifed it is important to understand who he was a what he represents. The book does not shy away from his dark moments; rape, murder, or his phenomenal ones; adrenaline shots into the heart, voluntary poverty. A fantastic book.
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Jan 10, 2009
Marc
rated it: 
I rarely give those 5 stars, but after some hard thoughts, I decided that this one deserves it. The author tries to give an account as balanced as you possibly could about a man as complex as Che. The research effort put into this is immense and it shows in the details.
The important thing for me was that Anderson showed us both sides of the man. His other-worldly drive for justice and solidarity, but also his cold-blooded ruthlessness and obsession for discipline. I firmly think he More...
The important thing for me was that Anderson showed us both sides of the man. His other-worldly drive for justice and solidarity, but also his cold-blooded ruthlessness and obsession for discipline. I firmly think he More...
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Oct 30, 2008
Christopher
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I did not read Che because I'm a wannabe socialist or guerrilla. I read Che because I generally like biographies. I think it is good for twenty-somethings who are asking "what are my values and how will I commit to them in my life?" to read biographies of people who have done that whether their values are similar or different.
What I loved about this book was not only the lens on the fascinating history of Che's life and especially the Cuban revolution, but the dozens of j More...
What I loved about this book was not only the lens on the fascinating history of Che's life and especially the Cuban revolution, but the dozens of j More...
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Nov 23, 2008
Benjamin
rated it:
Exhaustive to say the least but if you have any questions about the life of this man, this book will answer them for you. I do get the impression that Guevara would hat just about everybody walking around the US with his picture on a t-shirt.
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Sep 17, 2008
Jason
rated it:
This is a hell of a book, both in length and content! I enjoyed getting a clear and ample picture of such a mythologized human being. Even as a Spanish major, I didn't hear very much about Che, other than that he wanted to be the new Bolivar and he was Castro's right-hand man.
Also, in USA, we tend to only hear about Che and Castro through the anti-Communist, Cold War Era lens. I also learned a lot about communism and its implementation in various countries throughout the world.
It t More...
Also, in USA, we tend to only hear about Che and Castro through the anti-Communist, Cold War Era lens. I also learned a lot about communism and its implementation in various countries throughout the world.
It t More...
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Aug 24, 2008
Tresy
rated it:
A comprehensive, meticulous, if somewhat plodding biography of one of the most universally misappropriated figures of the 20th Century. I'm not yet in the Sierra Maestra with Fidel, but the prologue to Che's rendezvous with history is still compelling. Did you know he was on hand when the CIA overthrew Arbenz in Guatemala? And folks wonder why Fidel didn't wait around for the US to do the same with the Batistianos (and they tried anway). BTW, if you ever wondered where he got the nickname, it is
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(2 people liked it)
Apr 23, 2011
Amy
rated it:
After trying to research information about Che on the internet and from people around me I found that there is a large amount of propaganda from both Cuban's and American's that conflict with what people are told that this man was like.
This books was thoroughly researched and showed both the great attributes of the man and the extreme views he held. It was also interesting to read about Che as a father, husband and son because I think it is forgotten that those close to him seemed to have More...
This books was thoroughly researched and showed both the great attributes of the man and the extreme views he held. It was also interesting to read about Che as a father, husband and son because I think it is forgotten that those close to him seemed to have More...
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(1 person liked it)
Sep 10, 2010
Elizabeth
rated it: 
I felt like an idiot when John Kitchens asked me who Che Guevara was when I bought the movie (which I haven't seen). I had so few details, something like guerrila--ties to Castro--maybe (not!) a union organizer.
So when I saw this in audio for a cheap price, I gave myself the assignment to learn from it. I also bought the audiobook version of Brian Latell's After Fidel. All this was before the surprise report from Jeffrey Greenberg's meeting with Fidel in September 2010.
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So when I saw this in audio for a cheap price, I gave myself the assignment to learn from it. I also bought the audiobook version of Brian Latell's After Fidel. All this was before the surprise report from Jeffrey Greenberg's meeting with Fidel in September 2010.
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Apr 08, 2010
James
rated it:
This book simply changed my life. In a somewhat Plutarchian fashion Anderson, delves into Che's life with the intention of uncovering the germ of his later revolutionary calling. It is a calling that should appeal to anyone with serious concerns about social justice and the horrendous inequalities that persist in our contemporary world. It's also important, I think, to see the middle-class atmosphere that Che grew up in, as well as the interesting dynamic between his parents, and his strong conn
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Nov 18, 2009
Matt
rated it:
As a biography, ignoring the content for a moment, Jon Lee Anderson has pulled of something incredible here. Of all the bios I have read this is undoubtedly the most expansive and comprehensive of the lot. From Ernesto's youth on an Argentinean farm to his days on the motorcycle to his first meeting with Fidel Castro and everything that comes after, this book covers it all in amazingly detailed detail. I just can't imagine doing the research for this book. It's an encyclopedia of a man's life! A
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Feb 02, 2012
Seth
rated it:
Aside from Tupac or maybe Martin Luther King, I don't know of any historical figure who gets more love from graffiti artists than Che. I'd seen his iconic face all over the place but didn't know the first thing about him so when I saw his image on the cover of this book, I decided to pick it up and do some investigating. Turns out he was a hard-core, unrepentant Marxist who - even though he was an native of Argentina - is best known for partnering with Fidel Castro to lead the overthrow of the
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Oct 10, 2011
Kamil
rated it:
Quoting the author on the last page of the epilogue..." Around the time Che's body was exhumed, a scrawl of graffiti in Spanish had appeared on the wall of the Vallegrande public telephone office. It said: Che-Alive as they never wanted you to be".
This is his legacy.And the proof is, every time we witness a social movement or demonstration any where in the world, his ever famous portrait hangs HIGH.
They tried so hard to smear his character but to no avail. A man wh More...
This is his legacy.And the proof is, every time we witness a social movement or demonstration any where in the world, his ever famous portrait hangs HIGH.
They tried so hard to smear his character but to no avail. A man wh More...
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Nov 01, 2011
Geoff
rated it:
A fascinating read that, as objectively as is possible, gives a great insight into the life and times, the people and places, and the politics of the man who came to be known as 'Che'.
What comes across is a complex man who found meaning in revolution, enabling him to purge his own self-doubt, and giving him a sense of purpose or destiny that only a few ever achieve.
No matter how noble a cause is though, revolutions and the institutions that result from them create as many v More...
What comes across is a complex man who found meaning in revolution, enabling him to purge his own self-doubt, and giving him a sense of purpose or destiny that only a few ever achieve.
No matter how noble a cause is though, revolutions and the institutions that result from them create as many v More...
Oct 11, 2009
Sofie
rated it:
Hmm... I really don't know what to say about this one. In the beginnig, I couldn't stop looking at the pictures (there are a bunch of pictures of Che in the middle of the book). Every day after school I went to the book store to look at the book. When I finally got it, I screamed from happiness.
But... Now I've started reading it. And I have to force myself to get started every time. Why? I have no idea. I don't know how many times I've tried to finish the book, but I haven't succeed More...
But... Now I've started reading it. And I have to force myself to get started every time. Why? I have no idea. I don't know how many times I've tried to finish the book, but I haven't succeed More...
Jan 24, 2012
Lisa
rated it: 
I haven't figured out why this guy is so lauded. His anti-imperialism in my opinion led to his own brand of imperialism by bringing his own political agenda to other countries. In one section it explains how he was different from the average Cuban, maybe because he wasn't Cuban? He is lauded as a brilliant and to a degree he had some good ideas however he wasn't smart enough to figure out Communism doesn't work. It's a Utopia that will never be fully achieved because people are not altruistic pe
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May 24, 2009
K.D.
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Mar 07, 2011
A.J.
rated it:
The great historical tragedy surrounding the legacy of Che Guevara is that man who was nothing but completely and utterly sincere has become a symbol of insincerity. I'm not sure if this was always the case, but at least when I see people of my generation wearing a Che shirt or displaying a Che poster, I no longer see the famous Korda photograph of Guevara, I see the words "I am a giant poser" tattooed in bold relief on that persons face. There may be people who are sincere in their ad
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(3 people liked it)
Sep 04, 2009
Caris
rated it:
Che is dead.
You may not know it, but your world is a little darker because of it. Last night, as I finished this massive tome, I was in a terrible state of depression. I've spent a solid month with this man. And I did not want the story to end the way it was going to. Not in the way it did.
Che was an inspiration. He was a truly phenomenal human being. He is most definitely worth the recognition given to him by all of the t-shirts and dorm room posters worn by college kid More...
You may not know it, but your world is a little darker because of it. Last night, as I finished this massive tome, I was in a terrible state of depression. I've spent a solid month with this man. And I did not want the story to end the way it was going to. Not in the way it did.
Che was an inspiration. He was a truly phenomenal human being. He is most definitely worth the recognition given to him by all of the t-shirts and dorm room posters worn by college kid More...
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Aug 22, 2011
Carlos
rated it:
Che Guevara. Just the mention of his name amongst latinos invokes a myriad of reactions and discussions of his legacy, character, and political relevance. Che is the most provocative figure in South American history and yet, you would be hard pressed to find any mention of him in public schools. Let's face it. Ernesto Guevara is too extreme, too liberal, too Anti-American, too Communist, and too violent for most people to respect his legacy. Some remember him for the role he played in Cuban mili
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Feb 17, 2010
Dillon
rated it:
The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars was its length. Anderson, who had unprecedented access to Che's diaries, as well as the diaries and interviews of his friends and his family, writes a ridiculously detailed bio of the modern world's most visible, least understood character. Anderson follows Che through his childhood, med school, many trips through the americas and continues to document his revolutionary time in Cuba, the Congo and back into South America. He creates a hum
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May 23, 2009
Julie
rated it:
My entire month of May has been swallowed by this monster. As soon as I finished I felt like gasping (Frodo-style) "It is... DONE! It is ACCOMPLISHED!" Accomplished indeed. I know more about the Cuban revolution now than I ever thought I would need to know. As far as biographies go, this is about as good as it gets. Anderson obviously spent years researching his subject and had a treasure of sources to interview. The setction concerning the early battles in Cuba is especially exhaustiv
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Feb 13, 2010
Liz
rated it:
This is not a light read, topping out at close to 1,000 pages, but is an extensively-researched, detailed, and politically even-handed portrait of one of the most controversial international figures of the twentieth century. I am not a "fan" of Che Guevara, by any means, and am rather critical of his practices, policies, and adopted beliefs, BUT I found this book utterly fascinating. John Lee Anderson is an engaging writer, as evidenced by his other books and articles (he's a contrib
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Jul 20, 2010
Steve
rated it:
The subject has to be fascinating to justify a 814-page biography. Che Guevara is that fascinating.
This biography is allegedly the definitive one as a result of the author's access to documents previously unavailable. The story is a good one as we follow the young Argentine physician on his motorcycle trek through Latin America, learn about his life-long struggle with asthma, accompany him to the plotting sessions in Mexico, live with him in the jungles of Cuba during the revolution More...
This biography is allegedly the definitive one as a result of the author's access to documents previously unavailable. The story is a good one as we follow the young Argentine physician on his motorcycle trek through Latin America, learn about his life-long struggle with asthma, accompany him to the plotting sessions in Mexico, live with him in the jungles of Cuba during the revolution More...
Dec 24, 2008
Sweatherford
rated it:
Great book, especially for those of you who actually own a che t-shirt! as the Argentinian saying goes, "I have a Che shirt and I don't know why!"
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Sep 26, 2009
Brian
rated it:
wow. i never knew really anything about che, just that he was a revolutionary in cuba and that he was good at it. this book is really in depth and has amazing access that apparently was never before available.
he intersperses interviews from the late 90's of the people that were che's close friends and revolutionaries in arms, his ex-wife and his children. and it also has almost all of his old journals in their unedited form, from his widow.
it was really sad to read the More...
he intersperses interviews from the late 90's of the people that were che's close friends and revolutionaries in arms, his ex-wife and his children. and it also has almost all of his old journals in their unedited form, from his widow.
it was really sad to read the More...
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Aug 17, 2009
Iain
rated it:
I read this in 1999 / 2000 and it was a real eye-opener. It gave me an interest in politics and history that I had no idea was lurking around. It also gave me an insight into a man who's image is everywhere but who's motivations seem to be less well known (hey, maybe it was just me). Either way, this book led me to dozens of other social / political books and the interest has stayed with me ever since. Not an easy read but seriously interesting. Whether you agree / disagree with his politics, th
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Mar 14, 2011
Stas
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I only read the later parts: post-Revolution. I found it a little too anecdotal. And I really wished Anderson'd devoted more to Che's activities in post-revolutionary Cuba: what exactly did he do as the head of banking and industry. Instead, Anderson concentrates only on Che's sponsoring of mainland guerrilla movement. Sure, that's where his heart lay, but still - Che did work on rehauling Cuban economic system for five years.
From a quick glance at Paco Ignacio Taibo's book, he seems to More...
From a quick glance at Paco Ignacio Taibo's book, he seems to More...
Sep 29, 2009
Ian
rated it:
This is a great read and fills in the details of Che's life and early death as a revolutionary. The great aspects of his character (his dedication to his beliefs and willingness to live, unlike Castro, according to the (failed) dogma of communism) is on full display; the darker aspects of violence, terrorism and ultimately the folly of his beliefs are covered but the sympathy of voice is in Che's favor. Worth reading if only to know what that iconic silouette on the t-shirt stands for before you
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Oct 05, 2011
Grace
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Jon Lee Anderson's book 'Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life' was pretty amazing. I can't imagine the hours and the legwork that he put into researching this book. He tracked down Che's private journals and public writings, including some papers that had never been released to the public. He did first hand interviews of people who loved Che and worked by his side, as well as those who hated him and wanted him dead. Through his thorough research Anderson was able to put together a very good out
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Oct 26, 2011
Shawn
rated it:
With an upcoming trip to Cuba, it got me interested in reading more about Cuban history and the very fascinating and controversial figure: Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
This is an outstanding in-depth look into Che’s life! The author, Jon Lee Anderson had access to many resources previously unavailable to the public, including government documents, unreleased letters and diaries written by Che himself. He spent several years in Cuba researching and interviewed many important people in various More...
This is an outstanding in-depth look into Che’s life! The author, Jon Lee Anderson had access to many resources previously unavailable to the public, including government documents, unreleased letters and diaries written by Che himself. He spent several years in Cuba researching and interviewed many important people in various More...
