Che Guevaras Face: How a Cuban Photographers Image Became a Cultural Icon

by Danielle Smith-llera

What has been called the most famous photograph in the world and a symbol of the 20th century began as a spur-of-the-moment snapshot by a Cuban photographer. Alberto Korda transformed a simple photo into a world famous portrait of a larger-than-life revolutionary. Kordas 1960 photo of Che Guevaras defiant face has traveled the world in many forms. It shows up wherever people struggle for freedom and human rights. And in the 21st century, the controversial photo continues to inspire, entertain, and even infuriate.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

64 pages, Library Binding

Published August 1, 2016

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yup, didn’t know any of this.

That’s why this short piece in an informative series is awesome.

Now I know.

[Erin Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the latest in the Captured History series, this book focuses on the story and cultural impact of this famous photograph. The teenaged RATM fan in me decided to pick this one up before any of the other new books in the shipment. I learned a lot about Guevara, Castro, and Cuba that I did not necessarily know previously (or maybe forgot). I love how the Captured History collection focuses not only on the history of the picture but on the photographer who captured the moment as well.

[Camilo Vargas Vanegas · Rating 4 out of 5]

omg

[Ann]

Top 10 Diverse Nonfiction for Youth 2017 (Booklist)

[Bruce Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. Listened to the Audible version that had audio issues, but that’s not what disappointed. I was far more interested in the photo itself and it’s use throughout the world. There was too little of that as opposed to historical background.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviews the history of the photograph of Che Guevara's face that has become a cultural icon. Smith-Ilera gives the context from that immediate moment, explaining what Guevara was reacting to, and then goes into the Cuban history that led up to that moment. From there, the book returns to the image and how it was adopted for various contexts. She also reviews the legal history of the image, and how the photographer, Alberto Korda, did not restrict its use. Readers will learn a bit about the various movements that used the image and how they interpreted it. The book finishes with a quote from Guevara's daughter who says that while he may not have appreciated every use of his face, he would appreciate that it has become a symbol for resistance.

Overall an appropriate, succinct book. There were a few moments where I wanted a bit more information. For example, Smith-Ilera mentions the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis without explaining what these events were. I don't think every reader would approach the text with that knowledge, but I can understand not wanted to go too far into a complicated history.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explore the history of Cuba, Castro, Korda, and Guevara through the journey of an iconic photograph of a revolutionary (Guevara) that was protected and honored over time by a loyal photographer (Korda), his family and Guevara's family. The photograph took on an international life of its own.