The Land of Miracles

by Stephen Smith

For a growing number of British holidaymakers, Cuba is a Caribbean paradise, but it is also a land of cutbacks and economic instability. Stephen Smith comes to live on the island, and his search for the real Cuba inevitably becomes a search for Fidel Castro too. Before meeting his quarry, Smith travels extensively through the 'land of miracles' in an old American automobile. His highly-personalised account features a bloody initiation into a voodoo-like cult, dining on giant rat, and checking into the Love Hotel. And he goes on manoeuvres in the Everglades with armed, but not especially competent, Cuban exiles dreaming of a second Bay of Pigs. With disarming wit and considerable insight, Stephen Smith investigates a country where communism and voodoo coexist, and where the influence of its leader of forty years continues to throw a long shadow.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Stephen Smith works for Channel 4 news and writes regularly for the LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS

Reviews

[Niamh Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing- really brought Cuba to life! I loved how passionate the author is about the country and the people but how he didn’t shy away in highlighting the difficulties they still suffer under. All in all painted Cuba as a colourful country with a whole host of savvy, welcoming, funny people. (And made me very excited to visit.)

[Brigid Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Smith's book is a well written and humorous account of his visits to Cuba and his determination to interview Fidel Castro. He recounts his time spent within the Havana community, his travels to see the reality of life outside the city, and his visit to Guantanamo Bay.
It will give you an insight into the recent history of the island. You will be compelled to read to the end to discover if he got that interview.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

So well-written and I enjoyed having a home-grown Cuban's views on life in the 60's in Cuba juxtaposed with the 2000's. The people are obviously resilient, it would just be so encouraging if they could get their own Piece of the Pie, they are only 330 miles from true freedom and an easier life. Sigh

[keith koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my way to Cuba for the second time, this is the book about Cuba I've been hoping to read, but the others (Trading With The Enemy and Travelers Tales) failed me. If you are headed for Cuba, this witty travelogue is the one you want to read. (It's travel essay, not a guidebook)

[Mélodie Herbas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is not one of my favourite travel books but it is not bad. I learnt some interesting fact about Cuba but the story is not exceptional.