Cuba Libre!: Che, Fidel, and the Improbable Revolution That Changed World History

by Tony Perrottet

Historian and travel writer Tony Perrottet chronicles the events of the Cuban Revolution and the figures at the center of the guerrilla uprising: Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, and the scrappy band of rebel men and women who followed them.

Most people are familiar with the general timeline of the Cuban Revolution of 1956-1958: It was led by two of the 20th century's most iconic figures, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara; it successfully overthrew the island nation's US-backed dictator; and it quickly went awry under Castro's rule.

But less is commonly remembered about the amateur nature of the upstart movement, or the lives of its players. In this wildly entertaining and meticulously researched account, Tony Perrottet unravels the human drama behind history's most improbable revolution: a scruffy handful of self-taught revolutionaries--many of them kids just out of college, literature majors, art students and young lawyers, and including a number of women--defeated 40,000 professional soldiers to overthrow the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Cuba Libre's deep dive into the revolution reveals fascinating details: How did Fidel's highly organized lover Celia S�nchez whip the male guerrillas into shape? Who were the two dozen American volunteers who joined the Cuban rebels? How do you make lethal land mines from condensed milk cans -- or, for that matter, cook chorizo � la guerrilla (sausage guerrilla-style)?

Cuba Libre is an entertaining look back at a liberation movement that captured the imagination of the world with its spectacular drama, foolhardy bravery, tragedy, and, sometimes, high comedy--and that set the stage for a buildup of Cold War tension that became a pivotal moment in history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, World History, Audiobook, Historical, The Americas

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 22, 2019

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was listening to Christopher Ryan’s podcast with Tony Perrottet a couple weeks ago. As it turned out, I was leaving for a vacation in Cuba in 3 days and really knew nothing of the country’s history. I figured this was a sign and I drove an hour to the nearest bookstore and picked up a copy of Cuba Libre! That was the best decision I could have made. This book is so captivating, I couldn’t put it down. I finished the book on the plane to Havana. When I got to Cuba I saw the characters everywhere. Castro, Che, Frank Pias, Camilo Cienfuegos. This book gave me such an appreciation and understanding of their triumph and their heartbreak. Even if you aren’t planning on visiting Cuba this is still a great read. If you are planning to visit Cuba, I left my copy of the book at my Airbnb on 102 O’Reilly Street in Havana for you to enjoy! 😉

[Kaleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not praise this book more; not only 5 stars but one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. Like the title says, its about the Cuban Revolution and captures so much of what made the revolution such an unexpected victory. Also, this book was extremely entertaining, it reads like a novel and you get such a good feel for all the different personalities of the revolutionaries.

So many wild things happened; Fidel landed with 82 men and still managed to beat Batista's army of 40,ooo, the rebels won on New Year's Eve, Raul kidnapped 52 Americans who were treated so well they became supporters of the revolution, and sooo much more. To be completely honest, its an amazing story, classic David and Goliath tale and one where you really find yourself rooting for the revolutionaries the whole way through.

Quotes

As Fidel wrote: “The word ‘people,’ that has been pronounced so many times with such a vague and confused sense, has become a living reality here, a marvelous thing. Now at last, I know what ‘the people’ is.

This strange apparition, part bandit, part castaway, led the apprehensive farmer into nearby bushes, where eight more armed men were in even worse condition. The sludge-covered figures were emaciated, with sunken eyes and lips raw from dehydration. Their faces and hands were scratched and bloody. Many of their uniforms were torn. Several were even missing boots.A man who was evidently their leader stepped forward like an actor on the stage. He was tall and gangly, with horn-rimmed glasses, a wisp of a mustache, and a week’s stubble on his cheeks.
“Have no fear!” he grandly declared. “My name is Fidel Castro and we have come to liberate the Cuban people!

“Lieutenent, let’s kill them,” muttered a corporal.
“No!” Sarría ordered, then quoted the Argentine intellectual Domingo Sarmiento: “You cannot kill ideas.”Handcuffed in the back of an army truck, Fidel asked Sarría sotto voce why he hadn’t just shot him; his execution would surely merit a healthy promotion. Sarría, a fifty-three-year-old Afro-Cuban, replied simply: “I am not that sort of man, muchacho.”

[Rhuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it's a good summary. The author attempts to "channel" 1950s Cuba and for the most part succeeds. There is nothing new here for veteran Cuba buffs. The book's chief claim is to introduce the "Cuba Story" to Gen-Xers who haven't heard anything beyond the usual mass media disinformation, and written in a style accessible to them. My chief criticism is its Fidel-centricity. There was more to the Revolution than los comandantes barbudos de la Sierra, though indeed there would have been no Revolution at all without them.

For those seeking an introduction to the topic, travel writer Tony Perrottet has made a credible addition.

[Brayden Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this is to be quite gripping despite it being essentially a revisit to these events for the most part(for me) I appreciated the look at the relationships of many of the male leaders of the revolution and how the women were such a key part of their success, leaders themselves that are often forgotten or sidelined in many histories. I expect I will revisit much of this when I finally crack open the monster bio that is 'Che' given the author here references that biography at times but I am all the more excited because of that.

[Dergrossest · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess the Cuban revolution seems like a lot of fun when you only focus on the scrappy rebels toppling a ruthless U.S.-backed dictator against all odds and forget about the post-revolution dictatorship, the brutal quashing of all dissent and the cold-blooded murder of political opponents. Yes, I know that the Communist Castro brothers helped improve literacy and expand medical care, and that harsh U.S. sanctions stunted the economy, but I just can’t forget their crimes, their betrayal of the freedoms their supporters thought they were fighting for or that some animals were more equal than others during their reign.

This book does a grave disservice to readers and history by failing to address these important issues.

[Alec · Rating 3 out of 5]

The older I get the more I realize how much my worldview was shaped a long time ago during my elementary and secondary education. The Cuban Revolution is a perfect example of an event which I've never given any thought of beyond, "they're communists." As a child of the Cold War that was enough for me to dismiss Cuba as an area of interest. In the last 4-5 years, I've made an effort to broaden my reading habits, to look into things I'd never considered, and to try to form an educated opinion.

As a result, Mr. Perrottet's Cuba Libre!, was much more interesting and informative for me than it might be for those who have made a bigger effort to understand history. The book mainly focused on Cuban history during Fidel Castro's life, though Mr. Perrottet did go look back a bit just to set things up for the social, political, and economic issues which Cuba faced and which, ultimately, led to the Revolution. The fact that I got to learn about Cuba as well as satisfy a 52 Book Club 2025 Reading Challenge goal (prompt 15 - includes Latin American history) was a bonus.

Editorial (and only somewhat educated) comment: It makes me sad when I realize the US has acted in ways which seem to be in direct opposition to our founding principles. In this case, the US supported a corrupt dictatorship for years and then acted in ways that seem only motivated by money after the dictator fell. I don't know what the right answer is, but it feels wrong to look back at who we supported and why.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent account of the Cuban revolution.

[Maisy Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is good very interesting and a good nonfiction book even for those who don't normally read nonfiction

[Susan Blexrud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give very few 5 star reviews, but I found this book so exceptionally chronicled, while still reading like a non-stop and breathtaking fictional account. I had traveled to Cuba in January and was keen on gaining more insight into the Cuban Revolution and its lead characters. Growing up in Florida, I wish I had known years before about this gallant, improbable struggle, and I have an entirely different perspective on what transpired there. Wonderful book!

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extensively researched, well written account of the Cuban Revolution and the overthrow of Batista. It is well written, reading more like a novel than non fiction.

All of the main revolutionary characters are here as well as cameo appearances by some surprising individuals. The roll of the US meddling in and attempts to control not only Cuba, but other Latin American countries as well is also presented.

I’m not a big fan of non fiction, but I really liked this book and would highly recommend it. It’s an incredible story!

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book, including how fickle U.S. audiences are, but I think its greatest lesson may be in the last paragraph. I don't know why the U.S. does not learn from its mistakes and continues to make decisions that have a negative impact on the countries it is allegedly trying to save from themselves.

[Matt Slutzker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing about the Cuban Revolution, and Perrottet made it such a beautifully romantic endeavor about students with an ideal. Great read and it almost felt like short stories or essays. Very easy to be enraptured in each tale

[Imani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone please ask me about the Cuban Revolution.

[Vartika · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

There is a lot to love about Tony Perrottet's page-turning account of the Cuban Revolution: it brilliantly captures the ambition and absurdity of the ragtag M-26-7 rebels, focusing on providing a warts-and-all peek into guerrilla life and insurrection over the place/name/date histories favoured by others (Perrottet is perhaps the revolution's most improbable historian, having made his name as a travel writer). White the narrative is quite Fidel-centric, it his humanising rather than hagiographic. It lays bare how much of the fight – from vision, strategy and weapons to meals, media coverage, and politics – was improvised, and emphasises the crucial role that figures like Celia Sánchez, Frank País, Camilo Cienfuegos, Vilma Espín, Haydée Santamaría, and (by no means the last or the least) Che Guevara played in leading the commandante en jefe to victory. The Las Marianas are finally given their due, too, which is a much delayed but welcome delight.

The writing really makes the story go around: pacy, gossipy and humorous, it paints a colourful picture of of a tumultuous time peppered with romances, dysentery, renegade Americans and the PR-powers of jungle beards. But equally important is the sense of a movement built on mistakes, mishaps and solid, incontrovertible principles; of revolutionaries finding their feet in the chaos between recovering their country from the enemy and running it well.

As adroit as Perrottet's description of the revolution might be, he never ends up confronting the direct role the United States played in the problems arising on end of it. There is something naïvely American about this: the book mentions the US intervention after Cuba won its independence from the Spanish, and is critical of how it armed and funded Batista (as well as other despots and dictators in Latin America and beyond); it goes into detail about how Americans turned against Castro after he nationalised economic assets, enacted land reforms, and outlawed racial segregation in his country; it even mentions post-revolutionary tensions ranging from the Bay of Pig and the Cuban Missile Crisis to and the draconian sanctions that hinder development to this day. But it never connects how the post-revolutionary fate of Cuba might have something to do with American imperialism – not even when describing the brutality with which the CIA hunted Guevara down and killed him. In fact, the final lines of the book assert how all this goes against the 'founding principles' (genocide and settler colonialism) and 'basic strategic goals' (economic imperialism) of America.

It is impossible to understand Cuban politics then or now without factoring in the myriad ways in which American foreign policy has ravaged it, and so beyond a portrait of the rebels themselves, the history here remains incomplete and unsatisfactory.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic account befitting an epic revolution. Perrottet takes a wide lens to the motley crew of guerrillas that made up M-26-7, zeroing in on the distinct personalities and dynamics of the underdog ensemble.

Through his quick-witted and quicker-paced voice, Perrottet makes a few resounding points:
1. The resourcefulness of the ragtag group. In one delightful chapter, Perrottet recounts how Fidel and 25 compañeros spent their brief stint in prison creating a library of 500+ books, starting lawsuits from behind bars, and using lemon juice and sign language to exchange secret messages.
2. The utter essentiality of the female guerrillas, including Celia Sanchez, Vilma Espin, Haydee Santamaria, Teté Puebla, Las Marianas (the female brigade), and so many more. Due attention was paid to the women who kept everyone alive.
3. The sheer humanness of the revolutionaries. Even among the thickets of the Sierra Maestra, where guerillas routinely ate boa and had diarrheea, there was laughter and romance and doubt and disagreements. There was sex and cigars and music. My favorite chapters were simply about the unkempt but honest life on the road to revolution.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vivid account of the Cuban revolution which reaches dizzying, inspiring heights as it recounts the New Year of 1959: Batista fleeing Havana, to be replaced by the victorious guerrilleros.

I really appreciated the focus on the lesser-known heros of the revolution, especially on the underappreciated women. That said, the thread of Cuban feminism that runs through the book is never developed as much as I would like. The same is true for themes of racial (in)justice and the prologue's hope to "unravel how the optimism of the uprising went so badly awry"; the latter is mainly limited to how the revolution was soon abandoned by the "White middle-class Americans" who, Perrottet perceptively notes, "did not want a genuine revolutionary."

A great read!

[Jess B · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book read like an adventure novel, yet has so much history packed into its pages. I loved how easy to comprehend this book was and how detailed it was. It really made you feel as though you were in the trenches with these guys. such a good book if you’re looking to learn more about the beginnings of the Cuban Revolution and the motives of Fidel, Che, and other prominent figures in the revolution. my only critique is I wish it was longer and covered more of what happened after the revolutionaries took power, but perhaps that is a topic for a different book.

[Mickey Mantle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book reads like a suspense novel more than a history work. The successful revolutiion of Castro and his band of followers defied all odds.
The reader still has little understanding of Fidel Castro as an individual, which obviously the author had kittle knowledge.
Picking up the book, I had zero knowledge of the Castro revolution. None really of Che Guevara other than t-shirts. The author's style is a bit of hero worshiiper, but still an entertaining read.

[R. Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book. It presented a lot of verifiable information, so it was very objective. The revolutionaries had a tough road, it's shocking they emerged victorious. They were on the right side of history, and it makes you wonder how the country would have fared if the US had not turned on them.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could this have truly been the biggest gong-show/coincidence of a revolution ever? Luck, stupidity, ignorance, hilarity mixed with tragedy and moments of terrible strife...perhaps no one has ever managed to put together a package that so informatively explains one of the most mischaracterized revolutions of the 20th century. This should be required reading for all history students.

[Mica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! Highly recommend! I wanted to read because i am trying to bone up on my handsome husband's cultural history.

[Rohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly entertaining and colorful accounting of the Cuban Revolution, mainly through the eyes of Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Celia Sanchez, and their band of guerrillas. The book reads like a novel, easy to read, very detailed, personable, and funny - but nonetheless very educational, and effective as an introductory text to the Cuban Revolution to somebody who hasn't read much of anything about it before. Personally I would have liked more political-economic and social analysis of Cuban society and politics, but plenty of dry academic texts on that stuff, I'm sure.

[Elizabeth Bramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ironic book to finish on July 4th lol

[Charles Bookman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is the breathtaking, world-shaking story of how a band of dreamers ousted a corrupt, venal, malignant despot. This is a fast-paced, entertaining and authoritative account, replete with larger than life characters, some heroic, others not so much. Read more at bookmanreader.blogspot.com .

[Caren-Ann Monty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific piece of storytelling reveals a fascinating bit of history. The book, which is written with the grace and fluidity of a novel, shines a light onto the characters and events that changed Cuba forever. What an enjoyable book. Each character is well drawn, and by the end of the book I felt like I knew more about 1959, Che, Fidel and this important and improbable revolution that changed Cuba -- and the world -- forever.

[amb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was goooood. Nice to finally learn more about the women of the revolution

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An improbable David vs Goliath story of a few thousand revolutionaries against the army of a U S backed brutal dictator. Interesting speculation on how the economic situation turned Cuba into a communist satellite, and the U S role in forcing Castro’s hand. Who knew that Castro was on the Ed Sullivan Show, post Elvis, and pre Beatles. An important and especially relevant read.

[Rachel Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

David and goliath.

[Alan Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always had an interest in the Cuban revolution and have found that there is little good literature on the subject. It is surprisingly poorly covered; considering the impact it had at the time, and later through the missile crisis, when the world held it’s breath. The Cuban involvement in the war in Angola, and later the development of the Cuban pharmaceutical industry, have kept this relatively small nation in the centre of world affairs. Indeed, with the iconic status of its revolutionary leaders, even when it has not been in the news, images of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara has adorned the chests and bedroom walls of the youth across the world. When I discovered this book in the library, again by chance, I am glad to say that this gap in my knowledge has been largely fixed.

This book covers the history of the Cuban revolution from the early days of growing discontent through to the climax of seizing power. It sets the clash between Batista and Castro in the context of a longer struggle going back to the nineteenth century the struggles of Jose Marti and also reveals the unsavoury aspects of American policy in the region which helped fuel the fires. Although this is a history book, and makes a useful reference text, for the events of the period it is also a fast paced and racy narrative on this period. There are many details, from first-hand accounts, that bring the nature of the revolution to light. There are descriptions of the flukes and errors that changed history and scenes from the revolution that read like farce and would be difficult to believe were they not documented and true. Fidel’s appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show (followed by a poodle fashion parade), Erroll Flynn’s role as a revolutionary war reporter on the front line and an on-air suicide unfortunately hidden due to a coffee advert are examples of the small scenarios which make this book fascinating and entertaining, as well as informative.

It also serves useful task in reporting on the important roles played by women revolutionaries in the struggle. Women took great strides forward in leading, what was called, “The Revolution inside the Revolution“. These were not minor assisting roles but full roles of power and influence. Long before Betty Friedan and The National Organization for Women, these Cuban women were leading both politics and leading battalions into battle. In Cuba women such as Vilma Espín, Tete Puebla, and Celia Sánchez are remembered as heroes of the revolution, it is a shame that they are overshadowed abroad by the stature of their male fellow fighters. Hopefully, this book will help address this somewhat.

The story of how 82 freedom fighters took a boat to Cuba to face 40,000 armed troops and went on to win the war is the core of this book. It shows that luck and serendipity, as well as timing and planning play their part. But it also shows the characters of the main players and reveals, yet again, that passionate individuals with purpose and determination can change the world. This is perhaps why this is such an enjoyable book to read as it shows the best that people can achieve when they strive.

[Mukta · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm not usually a nonfiction history reader, but tony perrottet’s Cuba Libre! is one of those rare works of history that reads almost like a novel. perrottet focuses on vivid storytelling instead of places and dates, bringing to life the ragtag band of rebels who somehow managed to topple batista’s u.s.-backed dictatorship. he digs into the chaos, improvisation, and sheer luck that forms the foundation for the cuban revolution, and his writing balances humor with real insight.

what stands out most is the "texture" of the book. perrottet is clearly fascinated by the absurdities and contradictions of the revolution: fidel and a tiny group of survivors stumbling ashore from the granma after a disastrous landing; the improbable regrouping in the sierra maestra mountains; che guevara transforming from an argentine doctor into a hardened guerrilla fighter; and the swell of a few dozen idealists into a movement that confounded batista’s army. the idealism, the incompetence, the machismo, and the strange cast of characters who were swept up in it. perrottet avoids hagiography, showing both the romantic side of che and fidel and the darker, less polished realities. you don’t have to be a cuba expert to enjoy this; it’s history made accessible and cinematic.

that said, readers looking for an analytical or policy-heavy examination of post-revolution cuba won't find it here. the book is more about the extraordinary story of the revolution itself, not its long-term political and social consequences. for some, that makes it feel a bit lightweight; for others, it makes it an absolute page-turner.

in the end, Cuba Libre! is a fascinating, told with wit and style. it's something straight out of a movie, and perfect for anyone who enjoys well-researched narrative history and authentic, colorful anecdotes. and you might just learn a recipe for guerrilla-style sausage.

4.5/5