Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)

An American History

De: Ada Ferrer

Narrado por: Alma Cuervo, Ada Ferrer - prologue

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE IN HISTORY

WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE IN HISTORY

“Full of…lively insights and lucid prose” (The Wall Street Journal) an epic, sweeping history of Cuba and its complex ties to the United States—from before the arrival of Columbus to the present day—written by one of the world’s leading historians of Cuba.

In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, where a momentous revolution had taken power three years earlier. For more than half a century, the stand-off continued—through the tenure of ten American presidents and the fifty-year rule of Fidel Castro. His death in 2016, and the retirement of his brother and successor Raúl Castro in 2021, have spurred questions about the country’s future. Meanwhile, politics in Washington—Barack Obama’s opening to the island, Donald Trump’s reversal of that policy, and the election of Joe Biden—have made the relationship between the two nations a subject of debate once more.

Now, award-winning historian Ada Ferrer delivers an “important” (The Guardian) and moving chronicle that demands a new reckoning with both the island’s past and its relationship with the United States. Spanning more than five centuries, Cuba: An American History provides us with a front-row seat as we witness the evolution of the modern nation, with its dramatic record of conquest and colonization, of slavery and freedom, of independence and revolutions made and unmade.

Along the way, Ferrer explores the sometimes surprising, often troubled intimacy between the two countries, documenting not only the influence of the United States on Cuba but also the many ways the island has been a recurring presence in US affairs. This is a story that will give Americans unexpected insights into the history of their own nation and, in so doing, help them imagine a new relationship with Cuba; “readers will close [this] fascinating book with a sense of hope” (The Economist).

Filled with rousing stories and characters, and drawing on more than thirty years of research in Cuba, Spain, and the United States—as well as the author’s own extensive travel to the island over the same period—this is a stunning and monumental account like no other.

©2021 Ada Ferrer. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[Alma Cuervo]'s a highly empathetic interpreter of Ferrer's narrative. The story is fascinating, enlightening, and often deeply moving as Cuervo recounts Cuba's sorry history of racial division, enslavement, and exploitation - most vividly, the crushing labor of its sugar plantations." (AudioFile Magazine)

a brilliant book

fabulous book, needed to be read, reread. American-Cuban history crucial for present generation to understand. Biden must notmalize US Cuban relations...
Stop believing in propaganda. The United States is not the greatest., nor the worst but sadly too many people are uneducated, believe in sound bits.

Long but very satisfying history of Cuba

I really knew very little about the history of Cuba and thought I should know more. Ms Ferrer gave me what I wanted in great detail. I cannot remember all the names, but the events and their relation to the history of the United States were memorable. I was particularly interested in the history of the revolution which put Fidel Castro into power since that happened when I was a young woman raising a family and did not find time to take a great deal of interest in politics. Her emphasis in each part of the book on how the common people were affected was most informative. I will try to get a hard copy or e-book copy so I can reread some of this book and actually remember the names. The performance was excellent.
Edit Review

an excellent in-depth study

previous to reading this book I knew very little about Cuba and its history. in particular I was unaware of the United States often unconscionable role in the history of Cuba. this book was an eye opener. in addition, it was well written, very informative, interesting and a must read for anyone who is as ignorant as I was about Cuba.

A Lyrical History

The author weaves various elements of the history of Cuba to create a landscape people and events which elucidate the complexities which we as audiences often want to do away with for the easier version of history. No such thing here. Big points here are the idea of The Americas, who are Americans and the reconceptualization of what Cubans and Cuba/ The United States and it’s citizens mean to each other through time. Perhaps at the conclusion of this book I thought of respect. The importance of respect how it’s definition has affected relationships through history. Perhaps that is the treasure offered as a token which I will take away from this particular book (having read many books about one of my mother countries).

A great book on History of Cuba

I am now 75 yrs old and found quite a few characters written about that I knew their children, having gone to school with some of them. It informed me and reminded me of that period of time. Author created a book that brought a lot of memories.
Great book and narrator was also very good. Hope author writes more books.

Excellent

This is how history should be written. Incredibly detailed with an excellent balance of first person accounts. Does a great job of explaining “why”.

Thorough understanding of history

Great story and Narrator. Though I’ve lived in South Florida since the 70’s there were so many nuances that I now understand better about Cuban history, culture and politics.

The history that they don’t want us to know about.

A well researched book that exposes the American history that they don’t teach in school. A must read that makes evident the similarities of capitalism and communism. Well worth the time that it took me to read/ listen to this book.

A truly, epic emotional, moving, persuasive and personal

Admittedly, unaware of the entire Cuban history, I was blown away and moved tremendously by the Rich textual writing of the author.  Obviously I am not alone in this feeling due to the Pulitzer award.Ed to the author. This book has made such an impression on me regarding the history and knives of the Cuban citizens, and their under 19 century, 20 century, and 21st century, American foreign policy. I will recommend this book to any of my historian, based friends, who are interested in an honest and direct conversation regarding, yet another nation, subjugated by American colonialism, imperialism, and ridiculous foreign policy

Clear and compelling

A tremendous walk through history that is essential in understanding current American policy as well as Miami culture.