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Fidel Castro: A Critical Portrait
Never before has any biographer had such close access to Fidel Castro as did NY Times correspondent Tad Szulc. The outcome of a long, direct relationship, this riveting portrait reveals astonishing exclusive information about Cuba, the revolution & the notorious, larger-than-life leader who has ruled his country with an iron fist for over 40 years. Only Tad Szule could bring Fidel to such vivid life the loves & losses of the man, the devious tactics of the conspirator, the triumphs & defeats of the revolutionary leader who challenged American presidents & brought the world to the brink of nuclear disaster. From Jesuit schools to jungle hideouts & the Palace of the Revolution, here is Fidel...The Untold Story.
Hardcover
First published November 1, 1986
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573 people want to read
About the author
Tad Szulc
30 books10 followersTadeusz Witold Szulc was an author and foreign correspondent for The New York Times from 1953 to 1972
Szulc is credited with breaking the story of the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Szulc was born in Warsaw, Poland, the son of Seweryn and Janina Baruch Szulc.
He attended Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland.
In 1940 he emigrated from Poland to join his family in Brazil; it had left Poland in the mid-1930s.
In Brazil, he studied at the University of Brazil, but in 1945, he abandoned his studies to work as a reporter for the Associated Press in Rio de Janeiro.
In 1947 he moved from Brazil to New York City, and in 1954, he became a US citizen.
His emigration had been sponsored by United States Ambassador John Cooper Wiley, who was married to his aunt.
In 2001, Szulc died of cancer at his home, in Washington, D.C.
Szulc is credited with breaking the story of the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Szulc was born in Warsaw, Poland, the son of Seweryn and Janina Baruch Szulc.
He attended Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland.
In 1940 he emigrated from Poland to join his family in Brazil; it had left Poland in the mid-1930s.
In Brazil, he studied at the University of Brazil, but in 1945, he abandoned his studies to work as a reporter for the Associated Press in Rio de Janeiro.
In 1947 he moved from Brazil to New York City, and in 1954, he became a US citizen.
His emigration had been sponsored by United States Ambassador John Cooper Wiley, who was married to his aunt.
In 2001, Szulc died of cancer at his home, in Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 3, 2013
Being for somes years married to a deaf woman, I became active in the disabled rights movement back in the time when public transport and facilities were only rarely accessible to persons in wheelchairs. During that period, Jim Charlton, a quadraplegic recently appointed a member of the Chicago Transit Authority Board by Mayor Harold Washington, was working on a study of access in third world countries. He and a group of fellow activists travelled together to Cuba to study how that poor country was accomodating the disabled.
There had been hope that the group would meet with Fidel Castro, but the days passed without any such window of opportunity staying open long enough for the event to occur. On the last night, however, while the group, preparing for bed in their hotel suite, was videotaping a discussion amongst themselves about their visit, it was announced that the man might indeed appear. Members went out of camera range into the hallway to see what was happening, one of them a little boy.
The discussion continued, now mostly speculation, until it was interrupted by the boy who came running in shouting "It's Santa Claus, it's Santa Claus!" And, to much of the third world's population for decades, indeed, it was.
Although capable of conversation in English, Fidel came into the room accompanied by an interpreter and sat down with the group, the little boy, perched on his lap, playing with his beard during much of what became a multi-houred give and take about issues of concern to the visiting Americans.
For a citizen of the world's greatest power, the informality of the meeting and the human accessibility of its president was refreshing to watch. So, too, was the genuine concern that Castro displayed as regards to the issues raised by this group, issues which to him, concerned about fulfilling even the most basic of human needs, might be expected to seem peripheral and secondary as they pertain only to exceptional minorities. Not so. While the hard fact of Cuba's very limited resource base was acknowledged, the concern and efforts on behalf of the disabled seemed quite genuine.
Szulc's portrayal of Fidel Castro is of a piece with the impressions left on my friend by his meeting with him. While critical--and Castro himself seems quite comfortable with self-criticism, it does strongly suggest that there is a sincere concern with improving the commonweal, both of Cuba and of the poor worldwide, on the part of Fidel Castro. Not only is the task of conventional biography fulfilled by this book, but Szulc's personal relationship with his subject allows him to convey a sense of the character of the man.
I noticed that some reviews of this book refer to it as "authorized." It is authorized in the sense that its subject cooperated with its production by allowing interviews. It is not authorized in any hagiographical sense. There is no censorship and the author does critically question many of the policies of Cuba under Castro. As Szulc points out, the only thing he was commanded to do was to print no falsehoods.
There had been hope that the group would meet with Fidel Castro, but the days passed without any such window of opportunity staying open long enough for the event to occur. On the last night, however, while the group, preparing for bed in their hotel suite, was videotaping a discussion amongst themselves about their visit, it was announced that the man might indeed appear. Members went out of camera range into the hallway to see what was happening, one of them a little boy.
The discussion continued, now mostly speculation, until it was interrupted by the boy who came running in shouting "It's Santa Claus, it's Santa Claus!" And, to much of the third world's population for decades, indeed, it was.
Although capable of conversation in English, Fidel came into the room accompanied by an interpreter and sat down with the group, the little boy, perched on his lap, playing with his beard during much of what became a multi-houred give and take about issues of concern to the visiting Americans.
For a citizen of the world's greatest power, the informality of the meeting and the human accessibility of its president was refreshing to watch. So, too, was the genuine concern that Castro displayed as regards to the issues raised by this group, issues which to him, concerned about fulfilling even the most basic of human needs, might be expected to seem peripheral and secondary as they pertain only to exceptional minorities. Not so. While the hard fact of Cuba's very limited resource base was acknowledged, the concern and efforts on behalf of the disabled seemed quite genuine.
Szulc's portrayal of Fidel Castro is of a piece with the impressions left on my friend by his meeting with him. While critical--and Castro himself seems quite comfortable with self-criticism, it does strongly suggest that there is a sincere concern with improving the commonweal, both of Cuba and of the poor worldwide, on the part of Fidel Castro. Not only is the task of conventional biography fulfilled by this book, but Szulc's personal relationship with his subject allows him to convey a sense of the character of the man.
I noticed that some reviews of this book refer to it as "authorized." It is authorized in the sense that its subject cooperated with its production by allowing interviews. It is not authorized in any hagiographical sense. There is no censorship and the author does critically question many of the policies of Cuba under Castro. As Szulc points out, the only thing he was commanded to do was to print no falsehoods.
May 21, 2017
This was a long read, indeed. As many other readers, I got to this book through Jon Lee Anderson's Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life. WIthout making any comparisons, I have to say that it definitely stood up to my expectations. Castro's life is depicted with utmost detail, sometimes even to an exasperating degree. There are some issues to which the author pays a lot of attention but nowadays appear outdated, such as the moment in which Castro became a full-fledged Communist, and its ideological turnabouts.
But all in all it's an essential book to grasp the personality of one of the XXth century's most important political figures.
But all in all it's an essential book to grasp the personality of one of the XXth century's most important political figures.
September 18, 2018
I read Tad Szulc's book "FIDEL: A Critical Portrait" during the late 1980s. It's one of the best biographies of Fidel Castro that I've had the pleasure of reading. The book also contains a first-rate map of Cuba.
December 16, 2016
Critical, but relatively balanced; a detailed look at Fidel through 1985. Too bad Szulc is no longer around to write a second volume, covering the Special Period to the funeral cortège.
February 16, 2024
Great book on one of the most iconic revolutionaries the world has ever seen. Fidel showed the world that it was possible to stand up against American imperialism and was a thorn in the side of the US for almost 50 years. The struggles that Fidel and his revolutionaries went through under the Batista dictatorship showed how passionate and unrelenting Fidel was in pursuing his goal of a Cuban nationalist revolution, something his mentor Jose Marti unsuccessfully tried a century prior. Viva la Cuba!
September 29, 2023
A great book, although on specific occasions, was very detailed. This critical portrait has shifted my perspective on one of the pivotal political figures of the previous century. The influence of the Cuban revolution was huge- who could ever imagine 3 people (who surprisingly were not 100% accepted by the local communist party) would lead a whole revolution with few resources? ''To the United States, Cuba is a permanent nightmare as Washington worries about its influence in Africa, America, the Caribbean, and even Puerto Rico''.
October 10, 2012
Es una biografía autorizada por Fidel pero escrita por alguien que parece imparcial. Me la recomendó un cubano que odia al HDP. Por cierto, en la biografía queda como lo que es: UN HIJO DE PUTA, ASESINO, ETC, ETC.
July 28, 2022
“(Visitors) began to wonder whether Fidel insisted on running everything personally because he hungered for total power or whether he was the victim of the system he had devised. Viewing Castro more than a quarter-century after the Revolution, the conclusion is that both judgements are correct, and that he really is his own prisoner for life.”
I don’t know that I’ve read a better biography of a contemporary world leader than this. What Szulc delivers in ‘Fidel’ is a work that is nuanced and insightful and fiercely independent while always being deeply compelling.
The former New Yorker writer pulls all of that because he managed to get almost unparalleled access to Fidel, spending numerous hours with the Cuban leader over the years, and because he combed through every last pre-existing about the man that he could find.
Some of what he found here is genuinely funny: The stories of Castro as a competitive runt could be slotted into a coming-of-age comedy.
The long segment focused on the revolution would need many changes to be adapted into a gripping war film. It is here that Szulc’s particular way of researching and writing flourishes and we see Castro as a military leader with an indefatigable faith.
And then, too, there are parts, especially near the end, that are more tragic and frustrating than anything. The knee-jerk repressions. The insistence on managing things alone. The want to provoke when it isn’t needed. We watch it all unspool in this text.
I don’t know that I’ve read a better biography of a contemporary world leader than this. What Szulc delivers in ‘Fidel’ is a work that is nuanced and insightful and fiercely independent while always being deeply compelling.
The former New Yorker writer pulls all of that because he managed to get almost unparalleled access to Fidel, spending numerous hours with the Cuban leader over the years, and because he combed through every last pre-existing about the man that he could find.
Some of what he found here is genuinely funny: The stories of Castro as a competitive runt could be slotted into a coming-of-age comedy.
The long segment focused on the revolution would need many changes to be adapted into a gripping war film. It is here that Szulc’s particular way of researching and writing flourishes and we see Castro as a military leader with an indefatigable faith.
And then, too, there are parts, especially near the end, that are more tragic and frustrating than anything. The knee-jerk repressions. The insistence on managing things alone. The want to provoke when it isn’t needed. We watch it all unspool in this text.
March 21, 2020
Tad tells us an inciteful account of
Fidel Castro growing up in Cuba
Taking over Cuba as a rebel uprising
Becoming leader of cuba then
Complications until 80s
Some quotes the man
Seems less a savior or menace
More a tool
Tad met him and traveled cuba
Cuba holds keys to Latin america
Fidel may be ally to Kennedy
Or kennedy was willing to make consesions
Fidel Castro growing up in Cuba
Taking over Cuba as a rebel uprising
Becoming leader of cuba then
Complications until 80s
Some quotes the man
Seems less a savior or menace
More a tool
Tad met him and traveled cuba
Cuba holds keys to Latin america
Fidel may be ally to Kennedy
Or kennedy was willing to make consesions
February 1, 2020
Who knew there were 700 pages worth of Castro and Cuban history that would keep me compelled to keep reading?
Some poor editing towards the end and repitiotion lost it point but overall incredibly interesting and enriching.
Some poor editing towards the end and repitiotion lost it point but overall incredibly interesting and enriching.
July 29, 2021
Way too long
May 18, 2024
Everything you ever wanted to know about Fidel Castro, which is about 600 pages more than I needed to satisfy my curiosity.
May 21, 2024
A bit like if Piers Morgan interviewed and wrote a book on Gustavo Petro, which is somewhat insulting to Tad Szulc and insanely insulting to Fidel Castro.
May 4, 2022
Powerful biography
Really enjoyed reading the story of Fidel. Doing so, I now look at Fidel in a much different way. The Political game back in the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s was very dirty and Fidel was played by the USA & Russia. Fidel tried to clean up the massive corruption but when you’re up against the 2 biggest bullies he had no chance.
Tad Szulc did a magnificent job! It’s a must read.
Really enjoyed reading the story of Fidel. Doing so, I now look at Fidel in a much different way. The Political game back in the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s was very dirty and Fidel was played by the USA & Russia. Fidel tried to clean up the massive corruption but when you’re up against the 2 biggest bullies he had no chance.
Tad Szulc did a magnificent job! It’s a must read.
May 30, 2023
One of the absolute best historical narrative type books I've ever read. This not only looks deeply into the life of Fidel Castro and all of the major players around his revolution, but it's also loaded with context. Despite being somewhat critical of Castro, the author is extremely honest and goes out of his way to point out the material conditions of Cuba and its days as a Spanish colony as well as a U.S. puppet. He also doesn't shy away from the objective truth of how much better life for the average Cuban got following Castro's revolution, from healthcare, life expectancy, etc.
The amount of details in this is incredible, and the fact that Szulc used a ridiculous amount of sources shows it. Anyone from those that fought beside him in the guerilla days, to direct family, friends, enemies and exiled Cubans, as well as close officials that rode 'til the end and those that went to prison. This is how a biography on a controversial figure should be written. Not only essential for leftists, but anyone that cares about objective history should give this a read.
The amount of details in this is incredible, and the fact that Szulc used a ridiculous amount of sources shows it. Anyone from those that fought beside him in the guerilla days, to direct family, friends, enemies and exiled Cubans, as well as close officials that rode 'til the end and those that went to prison. This is how a biography on a controversial figure should be written. Not only essential for leftists, but anyone that cares about objective history should give this a read.
March 17, 2014
I didn't find this book particularly engaging, but the simple facts of Castro's life were enough to keep Fidel: A Critical Portrait interesting. Szulc begins with a section seemingly intended to psychoanalyze Castro to some extent, and I had a hard time finding a rhythm through these initial 50 or 60 pages. After that, Szulc settled into a standard chronology of Castro's youth, college years, revolutionary activities, and finally his leadership of Cuba. This edition of the book was published in 1986, so as far as this book is concerned the Soviet Union is still propping up the Castro dictatorship by buying sugar at too-high prices and furnishing the regime with military hardware. It was kind of interesting to read about Cuba from the perspective of 1986 -- a bit like looking into a time capsule.
Szulc gets props for delivering what he promises: a critical portrait of Fidel. Szulc is no champion of the U.S. government perspective on the Communist island nation, and he clearly admires aspects of Castro (particularly his able intellect), but Szulc calls out Castro when he deserves it, such as for his merciless crushing of the Cuban arts, particularly between 1971 and 1976, and his frenetic inability to stick with an economic plan long enough for it yield any sort of positive result. Consquently, Szulc roundly and correctly blames Castro for the dismal state of Cuba's economy.
All in all, Fidel: A Critical Portrait is interesting on the strength of Fidel's character. Szulc's access to Castro is impressive, but his writing isn't particularly so.
Szulc gets props for delivering what he promises: a critical portrait of Fidel. Szulc is no champion of the U.S. government perspective on the Communist island nation, and he clearly admires aspects of Castro (particularly his able intellect), but Szulc calls out Castro when he deserves it, such as for his merciless crushing of the Cuban arts, particularly between 1971 and 1976, and his frenetic inability to stick with an economic plan long enough for it yield any sort of positive result. Consquently, Szulc roundly and correctly blames Castro for the dismal state of Cuba's economy.
All in all, Fidel: A Critical Portrait is interesting on the strength of Fidel's character. Szulc's access to Castro is impressive, but his writing isn't particularly so.
May 22, 2010
There is a wealth of information in this biography, but it was written before any modern Cuban events.
July 27, 2012
my dad's favorite. i come from a line of commie jews. sigh
January 28, 2013
Excellent biography. Aseptic version, in depth story of his days of soldier and early days in office.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews