Boxing for Cuba

An Immigrant’s Story

De: Guillermo Vicente Vidal

Narrado por: B. J. Harrison

Guillermo Vicente Vidal's memoir chronicles his journey from Castro's Cuba to the United States - a tapestry of his coming of age, a broken family, and disorientation of political unrest.

Vidal was barely 10 years old when he proudly shook the hand of Fidel Castro. Although Vidal's parents were once staunch supporters of La Revolucion, they soon found they could no longer keep their sons safe in the new face of Castro's reign, making the difficult decision to send Vidal and his brothers to the US via Operation Peter Pan in 1961.

Vidal was on his way to Sacred Heart Orphanage in Pueblo, Colorado, when a chance encounter in the airport led to shaking the hand of Robert Kennedy. Years later, Vidal graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver. He went on to become executive director of the state department of transportation and head of the Denver Regional Council of Governments before he was tapped by Mayor John Hickenlooper to become Deputy Mayor. When Hickenlooper became the Colorado Governor, Vidal became the mayor of Denver.

Despite his fears, as an adult Guillermo returns to his beloved Camagüey and delivers truths that shows the beauty and struggles that remain to this day. Boxing for Cuba is not just a story. It is a tale of faith, hope, and a family who becomes more than Operation Peter Pan could have ever dreamed.

©2007 Guillermo V. Vidal (P)2016 Brook Forest Voices

¡Salad!

This memoir was great! It gave an open and honest look at the hardships and joys of the life thrust upon a child forced to grow up so soon. I was also happy to receive a history and political science education about the Castro era. Having heard Mr. Vidal speak, my only sorrow was that he didn’t narrate.

Great insight to history

This was a well written story. I love the personal story, it made history come to life. The author did a great job telling his and his families story that helped me to see and feel what he went through and others like him. I had no idea what the people of Cuba had to endure. This was a fa ou loud read I would recommend this book to anyone.

Didn’t need the accent from the reader

Kind of cheesy and offensive, and filled with mispronunciation. Should have had someone who sounds like Gullermo read it. The point is he becomes and American and has to find his roots.