Che: A Memoir

by Fidel Castro, David Deutschmann (Editor)

In a new, expanded edition of a best-selling Ocean classic, Castro describes a historic political partnership that changed the face of Cuba and Latin America. He vividly portrays Che—the man, the revolutionary, and the thinker—recounting in detail his last days with Che in Cuba, giving a remarkably frank assessment of the Bolivian mission.

Fidel Castro, in an unusually gentle, quite emotional mood, remarks, “For me it has been hard to accept the idea that Che is dead. I have dreamed of him often, that I spoke with him, that he was alive . . .” Includes Castro’s speech on the return of Che’s remains to Cuba in 1997.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, Memoir, Biography Memoir

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro overthrew the regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar in 1959, established a Communist state, served as prime minister until 1976 and then as president of the government and first secretary of the party, in declining health passed control de facto in 2006 to Raúl Castro, his younger brother, and officially retired in 2008.

Fidel Castro led a revolutionary movement that overthrew corrupt authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar on New Year's Day, 1 January 1959.

Raúl Castro assisted Fidel Castro, his brother, in overthrowing the regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar in 1959.

United States in an attempt to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro trained a force of 1,500 guerrilla troops, who landed at Bay of Pigs, the site, in an ill-fated invasion on 17 April 1961.

Castro, the illegitimate son of a wealthy farmer, adopted leftist anti-imperialist politics and meanwhile studied law at the University of Havana. He participated in rebellions against right wing in the Dominican Republic and Colombia, afterward failed in an attack on the barracks of Moncada, planned against the military junta, which the United States of America backed, and served imprisonment for a year in 1953. On release, he went to Mexico, formed the movement of 26 July as a group with Ernesto Guevara, his friend and doctor.

Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, a politician, also served as the commander in chief of the armed forces. This politically Marxist-Leninist administered the socialist republic. People nationalized industry and businesses and implemented socialist reforms in all parts of society. Castro returned, ousted rivals in 1959, and brought his own assumption of military and political power.

Credentials of Castro and cordial relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics alarmed the Administrations of Dwight David Eisenhower and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who unsuccessfully attempted economic blockade, assassination, and even the invasion at Bay of Pigs of 1961 to remove him. In 1961, Castro proclaimed the socialist nature of his administration under rule of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The press and suppression of internal dissent accompanied socialist reforms that introduced central economic planning and expanded care and education.

Castro countered these threats, formed an economic and military alliance with the Soviets, allowed them to place nuclear weapons on the island, and thus sparked sparking the missile crisis in 1962.

Internationally, Castro also served as general of the nonaligned movement from 1979 to 1983.

Abroad, Castro supported foreign groups in the expectation of toppling world capitalism, sent troops to fight in the wars of Yom Kippur, Ogaden, and Angola.

Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991, Castro went into economic "special period" and afterward forged alliances in the Latin American pink tide, namely with Venezuela of Hugo Chávez, and joined the Bolivarian alliance in 2006.

Due to failing, Castro in 2006 transferred his responsibilities to his vice, who assumed in 2008.

Supporters lauded Castro, a controversial and divisive world figure, as a champion of socialism, humanitarianism, and environmentalism against imperialism; critics viewed him as a dictator, who oversaw multiple rights abuses, an exodus of more than a million persons, and the impoverishment of the economy of the country. Through actions and writings, he significantly influenced the politics of various individuals and groups across the world.

Reviews

[বিমুক্তি(Vimukti) · Rating 4 out of 5]

চে গে'ভারাকে নিয়ে ফিদেল ক্যাস্ট্রোর নানা সময়ে দেয়া নানা ভাষণ এবং কিছু ছোট ছোট লেখার সমষ্টি।

গুয়াতেমালা, কিউবার বিপ্লব, বলিভিয়ার আন্দোলন নিয়ে ধারণা থাকলে পড়ে দেখতে পারেন। ভাল্লাগবে। তবে সেগুলো নিয়ে পড়াশোনা না থাকলে বইয়ের বেশিরভাগ অংশই অপ্রাসঙ্গিক এবং বিরক্তিকর মনে হতে পারে।

[Victoria Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, in depth, well written memoir about Che.
Che was no saint, but he had profound compassion for the poor and underclasses and put his life on the line for his beliefs... Of coz as a revolutionary leader he had a cruel, or even brutal side. But to me...no matter what - he's absolutely fascinating human being!

[Pollopicu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a shame there aren't any reviews written on this book on Goodreads yet. It would certainly make for a very interesting discussion. The preface by Jesus Montane wasn't impressive, however, the intro written by David Deutschmann helped give the reader a quick chronological biography on the political history and contribution that Che Guevara offered the Cuban Revolution. The analysis that Castro offers on the death of Che is thoroughly fascinating. Castro defends the truth behind the murder of his beloved comrade as if he's posthumously defending his own character and honor. Technically, it's not the most sophisticated memoir. In parts Castro tends to get cyclical, but at the same time is able to make good points and does an impressive job at disproving the lies behind Barrientos' statements concerning Che's diary.

It goes without saying that this memoir plays homage to Che's revolutionary spirit and heroism. It's Castro's personal eulogy to the memory of all the virtues that embodied Che's altruistic qualities. This memoir is not only moving but inspiring as well.

[Mohammed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking for such a book for a long time. I wanted to read Castro's story on Che's death, how he received the news, how he made sure that news was correct, and how he addressed the world on that.

This book is exactly about that, in addition to other related things.

I found this book very interesting because of the things I mentioned. There are many stories on Che's death since it was unclear and a lot of people tried to change the true story. I'm not saying that Castro's story is the true one, it's just the closest one to truth, since he was strongly related to the matter.

There are also few interviews with Castro on his relationship with Guevara. I completely enjoyed reading them, too.

Generally speaking, the book is very good for those who are interested in Guevara.

[Jaxon Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the moments after reading this memoir, I am left feeling gratitude for this deeply informative text which puts on display the unique relationship between Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. A loving tribute told through various interviews given by Castro in the 20 years after Che’s death, we are able to see the influence Che had not only on Cuban socialism, but on how Castro acted in his leadership.

Learning who Che was, as seen through the eyes of his closest confidant, leaves me more curious than ever to know Che deeper. In a time where indecent thought and leadership is so critical, I believe more people should look to the character of Che Guevara and fight valiantly for the future they wish to see.

An integral addition to any collection on political literature, I highly recommend this memoir, regardless of your political opinion of Cuba. This is a moving tribute to the legacy left by one of the greatest political minds in recent history.

[Madison Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not a traditional memoir. It is a book compiled of speeches given by Castro about his experiences with Che, their relationship, Ché’s characteristics and ideologies, shared struggles, and life after Che. In his speeches Castro confronts disinformation campaigns by imperialist countries, and talks directly and in-depth to his listeners, as to avoid any confusion or doubt in his intentions. He attempts to dispel the allegations about the fragmentation of his relationship with Che.

Through these speeches we gain insight into tiny snippets of Ché’s life during his revolutionary work. Castro goes into depth about some experiences they had together on the front lines, and how Ché’s outlook and behaviour impacted him. He also talks about Ché’s ethics and morals, and how these beliefs fuelled his desire to fight for an equitable society.

I found this all very interesting, but I will say that I wish I would have read Ché’s motorcycle diaries before this memoir. Although this work is important, I did find it extremely repetitive.

[Austin Neaves · Rating 1 out of 5]

I recently finished Fidel Castro's memoir of Che Guevara.

Because Cold War era history is an interest of mine, and I enjoyed Che's "The Motorcycle Diaries", I decided to give this book a shot. I was pretty disappointed. I've never read a history book that has so much repetition. I feel like one could read the first chapter, or even the introduction and have read every notable thing in the book.

The book is actually a collection of speeches and interviews Fidel gave on Che Guevara, mostly covering his death, the type of person he was, and very little else.


If you're interested in Che Guevara, then I suggest reading Che himself or a less biased memoir.

I give it one star out of five.

Originally reviewed on my blog at http://www.AustinJamesHere.blogspot.com

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. For those who complain about this being a poorly written history book, it is written as a memoir by Fidel Castro. You must go in knowing he is not a historian and will obviously have a bais in his view of the events mentioned. I enjoyed the book immensly.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read much and skimmed some. You can really tell the regard Castro had for Che.

[Sem]

This review is more of a personal note to myself.

Some things that stuck out to me:

1. Upon the announcement of Che Guevara's death, entertainment was suspended in Cuba for three days. Three whole days. 72 hours. America has a minute of silence for the death of influential people, but nothing compares to this level of respect Che has in Latin America, among communists, and other groups of people.

2. Che's ideas. Castro portrayed him as a sensitive man who believed in humanity, and believed in the possibility of change, among other revolutionary virtues and morals, valuing truth and possessing many talents. There is a story that he climbed a mountain every weekend despite never making it (asthma prevented him), demonstrating his persistence.

3. In addition to being a doctor, Che was also an economist. As expected, he has an aversion to capitalist methods being used to build a socialist society. There is a quote that goes something like "socialism is not only change in labor or production, but education and consciousness."

4. Few memorable quotes:
4.1 "In any struggle, you must earn the respect of the enemy."
4.2 "Never ask someone to do what you yourself would not do first."
4.3 (not exact) `Those who know history don't have the time to write them`
4.4 “Aren’t true revolutionaries the ones who overcome these blows, these setbacks, without becoming discouraged?”

[Maria Piovesana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If my final hour finds me under other skies, my last thought will be of this people and especially of you" -Che in his parting letter to Fidel Castro

I loved this book - it is a collection of speeches and writings of Fidel Castro which are focused on Che, the majority of them taking place after his death. It gives an insight into the relationship between Che and Castro, as well as what Che means to the people of Latin America (in Castro's perspective). It is touching, powerful, and eloquent.

I am having trouble rating this book as I found a couple flaws. One being the obvious and extreme bias, which is not really a problem when you're aware of it, except that it seems to have twisted the truth in a couple of parts. The other major problem is that the book is repetitive, which is understandable as each section was written/delivered in a different time and context, but it does slightly hinder enjoyment.

In the end, I think I will give it 5 stars because I enjoyed it so thoroughly, however, I would only recommend this book to people who are very interested in Che and particularly in his death and the consequences that followed it.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compilation of Castro speeches and interviews over a period of nearly 40 years is interesting for what it exposes to me about Fidel. He could speak for hours at the drop of a hat, enmeshing stores about Che into the narrative of his own version of Marxism and the Revolution. Chapter Eight the most enlightening about the expectations Fidel had for the people, their work, and their *rewards* - a long 1987 speech supposedly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Che death; but Fidel speaks in long rhetoric about Rectification, a *correction* of the loss of direction of the original Revolution. Do not let this be the only material you read on Che, but make sure to include this in your Revolution Reading List...

[Frank Karioris · Rating 3 out of 5]

To start, this book is not a memoir in any traditional sense. Not that it doesn't give much insight into Guevara, but that it is a collection of speeches and the like by Castro - an intimate of de la Serna, by any and all standards. It is worth reading to understand Fidel, and to see what motivated this process at the beginning. The book, as a component of a broader political education about the revolution is invaluable.

[Dipak Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read.

An in-depth look into the life of one of Latin America's biggest revolutionaries through the eyes of his fellow comrade, Fidel Castro. A very interesting read.

[Richmond Apore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an actual memoir as I had hoped. Rather a series of interviews/communiques/anecdotes by Fidel regarding Che's life. To the crowd that encourages the lie that Fidel and Che fell out, this book outright debunks and ridicules that nonsense.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Recap

Che’s was a life worth learning about. Fidel’s comments and feelings were awesome to read. He had great affection for Che which is clearly stated.

[Georges Fadel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book if you are into Cuban/South American history... Fidel Castro's writing is almost as good as his epic speeches... and if anyone should know about Che it would be Castro...

[Erika · Rating 1 out of 5]

Es un libro muy repetitivo, me pareció muy aburrido. Solo se dedica a repetir una y otra vez elogios para el Che. No es nada conciso.

[Mehdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been interested in Latin American history and Particularly Cuba and Che. I have read pretty much all the book written on Che and this book has to be the best by far. The book is written on the memory of Fidel Castro, a revolutionary friend of Che. Fidel explains why Che despite being killed almost 48 years ago still lives on and his legacy and stronger than ever. Che, a symbol of struggle who lived and died for the poor people of the world. Having asthma from a very young age Che was forced to leave school aside for a few years but it didn't stop him from becoming a doctor and the best men of his generation. Che is truly being missed by people who endure and suffer from the exploitation of the rich corporation in the third world countries and in developed countries. A true legend and an example who will live on until the day sun dies and the world finishes.
Viva Che
Viva Fidel

[Patti Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, reveals as much about Che as it does about Castro. I was especially surprised at the amount of information Castro seems to provide in his speeches (when everyone was trying to learn whether Che had been killed). And tho I know Che was probably not the romantic icon rebel that many view him as today, I love the fantasy of a handsome, dark, intelligent, man fighting the powerful imperialists to free latin america!

[Marianne van der Heijden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indrukwekkend boek, dat uit speeches en interviews Fidels beeld geeft over Che. Zijn waardering voor Che's revolutionaire vuur en inzet voor de Cubaanse en uiteindelijk de pan-Amerikaanse strijd tegen het imperialisme. Hieruit blijkt ook duidelijk het verschil tussen Fidel, de revolutionaire strateeg en Che, de bevlogen revolutionair ( en romanticus) . Zeer aan te bevelen.

[Vera Lynn Brathen-Gylstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Som nevnt av en annen leser, så sier denne boken like mye om Castro som Che. Talene som er gjengitt i boken er interesant lesning. En bok som er verdt å lese. Inspirerer til videre lesning om Che.

[Mardell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather subjective point of view from Castro. It would be better to read a well written biography of Che or his diaries.

[Nemo Velazquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una forma muy interesante de ver al Che desde la perspectiva Cubana, además se tiene la oportunidad de conocer a Fidel como un gran orador, que a fin de cuentas mueve masas.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too repetitive for me

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this book up while in Havana recently, at the Plaza de Armas book market. Being interested in Che Guevara and having read several of his books and other books about him, I was intrigued to find this memoir by Fidel Castro about Che. I found Fidel's thoughts and inside perspective on Che to be very well articulated. The book provides interesting insight into Castro's ideas and beliefs, the history of their friendship, the circumstances surrounding Che's death in Bolivia and the emergence of Che as a world-wide revolutionary symbol after his death. Overall, a very intriguing and educational read.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't actually a memoir--it's a collection of speeches and interviews. As such, there's A LOT of repeated information and sentiments here. Even so, in the context of history, it's nice to have the documented reflections in this collection, considering that there are probably few people closer to Che, as a revolutionary, than Fidel.