Voices from Mariel: Oral Histories of the 1980 Cuban Boatlift

by José Manuel García

Between April and September 1980, more than 125,000 Cuban refugees fled their homeland, seeking freedom from Fidel Castro's dictatorship. They departed in boats from the port of Mariel and braved the dangerous 90-mile journey across the Straits of Florida. Told in the words of the immigrants themselves, the stories in Voices from Mariel offer an up-close view of this international crisis, the largest overseas mass migration in Latin American history.

Former refugees describe what it was like to gather among thousands of dissidents on the grounds of the Peruvian embassy in Cuba where the movement first began. They were abused by the masses who protested them as they made their way to the Mariel harbor, before Castro permitted them to leave the country in an attempt to disperse the civil unrest. They waited interminably for boats in oppressive heat, squalor, and desperation at the crowded tent camp known as "El Mosquito." They embarked on vessels overloaded with too many passengers and battled harrowing storms on their journeys across the open ocean.

Author Jos� Manuel Garc�a, who emigrated on the Mariel boatlift as a teenager, describes the events that led to the exodus and explains why so many Cubans wanted to leave the island. The shockingly high numbers of refugees who came through immigration centers in Key West, Miami, and other parts of the United States sent a message to the world--loud and clear--of the people's discontent with Castro's government and the unfulfilled promises of the Cuban Revolution.

Based on the award-winning documentary of the same name, Voices from Mariel features the experiences of marielitos from all walks of life. These are stories of disappointed dreams, love for family and country, and hope for a better future. This book illuminates a powerful moment in history that will continue to be felt in Cuba and the United States for generations to come.

200 pages, Hardcover

Published March 13, 2018

Reviews

[nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

José Garcia’s “Voices From Mariel”, while recounting a sad moment in history that’s seldom talked about, is also a story about a man trying to reclaim his past. In this book and the accompanying documentary (a must if you want the full context to this journey) we see José Garcia return to Cuba to speak to family and friends that he hasn’t seen since he left, along with other Cubans, reporters and artists, who were affected by this tragic period in Cuban history. Yet this book and documentary also highlight the strength of the Cuban people and at times is inspirational due to their resilience and their ability to grow and heal and move on from such polarizing events. I believe it’s a must read for those heavily interested in history, especially Latin American history. It’ll give you a bigger appreciation of who you are now, who you used to be, and where you came from.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a poignant, well written account of the mass immigration of Cubans to the US during Castro’s regime and includes first hand accounts of people who fled Cuba. I appreciated the diversity of the stories told and the ages of the people telling them. The filmed documentary made the stories even more resonating and emotional and added a depth of understanding to an already very easily understood book.

[Carson Angell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives not only the factual happenings of what occurred during the Mariel Boatlift, but also how the people of Cuba reacted to those who left. It was a very good read that provides a personal connection to the situation. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this specific topic, and also to anyone who is looking for a good book to read.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after seeing the documentary of the same title, which allowed me to read it slowly and appreciate the details that the film can't provide. Seeing the film first gave me a solid background for the book since I was more familiar with the characters and some of the settings. I have never been to Cuba, and I knew little about its history before, but this book has given me a better understanding of Cuba and strong appreciation for its people, especially for those who have come to the USA to flee oppression and seek better opportunities. It is inspiring to see how the Marielitos arrived here under such unfortunate circumstances -- many of them with nothing other than the clothes they were wearing -- and have not only built successful lives for themselves and their families but have made significant contributions to their communities and to this country. Voices From Mariel offers a new perspective on the American Dream and should make a significant contribution to the current political debate on immigration.

[Micaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written. It describes the harrowing experiences of several Cubans, including the author, in their escape from poverty and communism through the Mariel exodus. I highly recommend, it's a wonderful read about a very dark and confusing time in recent history.

[Cheyenne Charles]

Coming to Florida Southern I did a lot of the research on the professors at the school. I noticed Garcia wrote an memoir on his life and the lives of others making the life changing journeys to the US. The stories in the book are so touching and unbelievably inspiring.

[Katie Poinsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an intimate account of the Mariel Boatlift the occurred in Cuba in the 1980's. The story is wonderfully written and while reading my heart broke for the people who suffered so much just for the chance to live a better life. The author not only does an excellent job of sharing his own story, but brings justice to the story of others within the book. For anyone interested in history, this is a must read.

[Molly Imbriale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a freshman in college and was assigned to read Voices of Mariel for my first semester Spanish course. I had no prior knowledge of Cuban history and no idea what I was diving into as I opened the book. Voices of Mariel was spectacular! It was a combination of deep sentiment and rich history. It was fascinating to read the various points of view on this tragic event in history. If you want a quick read that will captivate you, this book is for you. It was heartfelt and touching as you got an "in the shoes" perspective on what it was really like for those survivors of the Mariel boatlift.

[Elvia Anayi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Very informative on the Mariel boatlift and the testamonies of the people were very touching

[Sidney Reeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great in site of what it was like to move to America during the 1980's and the struggles of having to leave everything behind. It's a wonderful read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys real life stories!

[Natalie Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices from Mariel told an incredible story. Until reading this, I had never heard of the Mariel Boatlift and was shocked by what was happening in the embassy. The author did an excellent job of giving a detailed story and capturing the details of others and their stories during this experience.

[Paige Berberette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read this book and found it really interesting to read. I really like how he explained the events in so much detail, it made me want to read more. I highly recommend this book if anyone is interested in history!

[Matthew Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I really enjoyed hearing about this historical event from the people who actually lived through this experience.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to a history that is not discussed often enough. The accounts from Marielitos are very moving and provide a lot of insight to personal experiences with the harsh realities of communism. I highly recommend this book!

[Reed Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of information about an almost forgotten part of Cuban history. The Mariel Boatlift is one of the biggest mass exoduses in modern time but yet it slipped through the cracks of history. This book has multiple accounts of people involved in the event along with a personal chapter about the writer who was also involved. It gives insight and personal experience. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about Cuban history. The stories are compelling and paint a picture of how Cuba actually was, not how it was portrayed by the media.

[Serene Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely read! Before reading this book, I had never heard of the Mariel Boatlift and had no idea what it could have been. It was very informative upon all of the trials and tribulations that the people who immigrated from Cuba to various countries through the Mariel Boatlift for a better way of life. It saddened me to learn how poorly these people were treated by Castro, the Cuban government, and sometimes even their own friends and neighbors as they were trying to leave the island for a better life.

[Heather Childree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Garcia’s follow up to his documentary informs readers about the lies the Castro regime told about Cuban exiles and chronicles how the Mariel boat lift came to be.

[Helen Roldan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a very important read for any American or individual living in the United States. It’s particularly significant to me, as someone who lives and grew up in Miami amongst Cubans (while not being one myself). I have had to educate myself on Cuban history as it’s not really taught in school and I didn’t really know much beyond the basic highlights through my Cuban friends.

It’s sad that there is still a misconception of the Cubans who came through Mariel. One Cuban I know actually told me once that all Marielitos were delinquents. In that sense, it’s kind of wild that Fidel managed to successfully taint images of Marielitos in the Cuban community in the United States. Even after so many years people were still able to succumb to his attempts to discredit those that were against him.

I thought the collection of stories were great. It would have been interesting to get even more perspectives, however. Like of Cubans in the US talking about what they thought at the time. Cubans in Cuba who stayed behind and what they went through. Families of those who stayed behind.

What I struggle with, as a Venezuelan immigrant, is the lack of recognition in these stories that other immigrants were not accepted with open arms—like Cubans were. Not everyone is given the chance to succeed and pursue freedom. It’s quite sad and I guess maybe it’s not relevant to their stories but I would hope many understand just how different the pursuit of the american dream is for people from other countries.

[Caroline Tolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a captivating and inspiring book following the lives of Cuban refugees seeking freedom. Under Fidel Castro's dictatorship, these individuals from all walks of life departed in boats from the port of Mariel, embarking on a 90-mile journey to Florida.

This book explores different perspectives through personal stories of this strenuous journey, creating a unique opportunity to hear varying experiences. Regardless of the different paths, these refugees had a united goal: to obtain a better life for themselves and their families.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book as it introduced me to a part of history I wasn't aware of. Through this book, I learned how this powerful moment in Cuban history shaped the country for generations to come.

This book pairs with a documentary, which is a must-watch. While the book does a great job of explaining the events, the documentary provides a visual representation of these stories, allowing the viewers to see the emotion and weight this event has on them til' this day.

I recommend this book to anyone inclined to hear the stories and experiences from the boatlift to gain a newfound respect and appreciation for these strong, brave individuals.

[Josh B]

Jose Manuel Garcia's 2018 "Voices from Mariel" is a compelling exploration of the Cuban Boat Lift, weaving together real oral histories to narrate individual struggles under Fidel Castro's regime and the subsequent diaspora. Garcia's colorful storytelling and balanced portrayal of characters contribute to the book's strength, creating an engaging read for both history enthusiasts and those simply seeking a gripping story. The firsthand accounts offer a personal and intimate perspective, providing readers with a profound understanding of the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs faced by those who lived through this tumultuous period. Through its accessible format, the book's accounts, offer a humanistic perspective that resonates with the resilience and courage of individuals who were forced to reshape their lives amidst severe uncertainty. "Voices from Mariel" is an essential addition to the library for anyone interested in the real, human stories that are often hidden behind the Cuban Boat Lift.

[Alex Manthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices from Mariel is a very compelling and well-written book about a crucial part of Cuban history. I was not at all aware of this event even though I live in a country that was a huge part of the boat lift! This historical event needs to be something that we talk about more in American schools. This book included powerful stories about many different people who took dangerous measures to leave everything they knew in Cuba. They were hopeful to start new, successful lives in the United States and they have been able to live happily, give their children more opportunities, and do things they were never able to do in the oppressive Cuban dictatorship. I would absolutely recommend this inspiring, important book to anyone interested in learning about a significant part of the history of Cuba.

[Joey Cardone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices from Mariel is an extraordinary exploration of the 1980 Cuban Boatlift, weaving together captivating oral histories that bring to life the resilience, courage, and hope of those who embarked on the seemingly impossible journey for freedom. The book's narrative structure humanizes historical events, providing an authentic and emotionally charged tapestry of perspectives. Beyond documenting the exodus, the author sensitively delves into the socio-political climate, offering an apt understanding of the complex factors that led to this pivotal moment in history. This literary work serves as a powerful reminder of the universal desire for a better life and the profound lengths individuals will go to achieve it, making Voices from Mariel a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Cuban migration and the enduring spirit of human resilience.

[Deniqua Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting off reading this book, I honestly didn't think it was going to be much as I've never really learned about Cuba or its culture other than hearing about Fidel Castro and the Bay of Pigs. This book has opened my eyes to many of the problems that Latin America as a whole faces and how devasting it is to the lives of the citizens living there. This book made me feel things I never expected to feel; from respect, to sympathy, to patronism I felt so many things that were never expected. I went from starting this book on 5 pm at night to finish it at about 7:30 because of how intriguing and eye opening the content was to the struggles and real life accounts of Cuba. I hold a higher respect not only for my country but also for Cuban citizens as they still struggle with this government system today and my prayers will be with them all.

[Alana Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fantastic deep-dive into Cuba's history and the experiences of the Mariel boatlift refugees. It gave me a deeper understanding of the event and an appreciation for the hardships that many Cubans faced. The writing is very profound and detailed. I could visualize everything that was being described, and feel the emotions of the people who were interviewed. The interview format was clear and concise, making for a more enjoyable reading experience. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of history and culture.

[Reegan H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Voices from Mariel" is an incredibly captivating and eye-opening novel that delves deep into the experiences and poignant stories from the Mariel boat lift. José Manuel Garcia weaves together a tapestry of narratives, offering a vivid portrayal of the courage, resilience, and hope displayed by the Cuban refugees during this historic and tragic series of events. The authors first-hand experiences color the book with the painful reality of fleeing Cuba. The narrative does not end with the escape but continues into with the pain of leaving everything you have ever known behind you into an uncertain future.

[Tori Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with intriguing stories from both the author and many other Cubans who were willing to tell their stories. A must-read to understand a part of Cuban and American history not often spoken about. The people who have allowed their stories to be included in this book and the documentary are heroes, it is not easy to speak against a country like Cuba after experiencing the everyday atrocities there.

[Harry Cieszysnki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this book impacted my view of Latin American culture as well as Cuban culture in various ways such as how diverse many cultures are and how resilient Cubans are culturally. I am very grateful I had the opportunity to read this book and it has taken down a long journey of sympathy, heartbreak, and a feel of light shedding through the tunnel. Thank you Mister Jose Garcia for allowing your perspective to be shown through this art piece of a book.

[Lexi Lowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Dr. Garcia told his and the other Marielitos' stories so well and I feel so much more educated on this topic. The book held my attention throughout the whole thing and I was completely captivated by the unique and shocking stories told. I felt as though I knew all of them personally because I connected with their stories so well. 10/10 would recommend.

[Sergei]

I highly recommend reading this book. It has opened my eyes to the history of Cuba, to the event that I had never heard of before. The author provided personal experience along with the stories of Cubans who faced it too and were on the frontlines. This book truly worths your attention because it shares details and the real picture of the nightmares that occurred in Cuba at that period of time.

[Hunter Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The following book leads the reader through the history of the Mariel boatlift and provides many real-world stories of people who went through this part of history. It truly is interesting and sheds light on how Cuba was during Castro's rule compared to life in the United States. Recommend the read.