Conversations With Cuba

by C. Peter Ripley

A long-time Cuba watcher discusses his love affair with this proud, passionate, troubled nation, from his romanticized high school observances of Castro's revolution to his five illegal trips to the nation between 1991 and 1997.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

243 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Robert Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way in which we have dealt with Cuba, post-revolution, has been an absolute debacle. Going into this book, I honestly knew very little about Cuba-US relations. I had always bought into the cliche portrayal of Cuba as a now-derelict failed Soviet-satellite stubbornly holding onto to communist ideals while they allow their dictator boss to push them around. This book is the best evidence of any that this is a gross (and simplistic) misunderstanding, perpetuated by the Cuban-American community here in the US. Although written over a decade ago, the issues are still very pertinent and the fact that we still have not abolished the embargo is testament to our stubborn, and failed, foreign policies towards Latin America - and also towards anything at all (even if it's imagined) we perceive to be a threat to US interests.

Very enjoyable read. Enlightening and entertaining at the same time.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching first-hand account about a journalist that visits Cuba over the course of a decade (1900s-2000s). Standing witness, but never in judgement, Peter Ripley writes an engrossing account of Cuban life during the "special period."

Framing the gravity of the Soviet collapse, the American embargo, and the shortcomings of the revolution this book serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.

A must read.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. He has a very sypathetic style that dosen't interfeir with honesty about his subject.

[Katherine Steinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. An interesting of the changes observed over the 8 years and 6 time he visited Cuba.

[Janet H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 1999, it still gave clear insight into the Cuban people, their revolution against Batista and their feelings toward Castro