Fidel

This book (Fidel: Holywood's Favorite Tyrant) was an interesting read. Some bias can be heard from the author as you read through, but the facts listed are difficult to argue against and the bias is then understood, especially given his personal connection.

Some of the things that surprised me:

• In 2003, the US was Cuba;s 6th biggest trading partner despite the embargo (p55)
• Before Castro, more American's lived in Cuba than Cubans in the US
• Cuba went from having the highest per capita immigration rate (higher than the US including Ellis Island years) to a situation where 20% of the population fled the country. p61
• I didn't realize how the role of race played in the revolution. Cuba, which was majority white, elected a black man. Almost all of Castro's rebels were white. p87
• Today, Cuba's jails are 80% black with government hierarchy 100% white

The author describes many of the atrocities that the revolutionaries performed. These are disgusting and add to the understanding of the embargo we have had for so long. That said, this book also goes into the way many of popular culture have looked the other way to these atrocities and celebrated the Cuban revolutionaries. This is disappointing to see so clearly, but also sadly not always unsurprising.

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