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The Story of Che Guevara

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Che Guevara is something of a symbol in the West. But for the rest of the world he is different: a charismatic revolutionary who redrew the political map of Latin America and gave hope to those resisting colonialism everywhere. In The Story of Che Guevara Lucia Alvarez de Toledo follows Che from his birth in Rosario and his early years in his parent's mate plantation, to his immortal motorcycle journeys across South America, his role at the heart of Castro's new Cuban government, and through to the unforgiving jungle that formed the backdrop to his doomed campaigns in the Congo and Bolivia. Based on interviews with Che's family and those who knew him intimately, this is an accessible biography that concentrates on the man rather than the icon. With the political developments in Latin America in the twenty-first century, his influence can be seen to be even greater than it was during his lifetime and The Story of Che Guevara is a perfect introduction to an extraordinary man.

400 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Joselito Honestly and Brilliantly.
755 reviews431 followers
April 10, 2020
How must you live your life?

Maybe that is not a question which can be asked of everyone. For in some, it is the life they had been given which tells them how they would live. And even die. This may well have been the case with Ernesto Guevara de la Serna or Che Guevara.


Life gave him asthma, a medical condition which, at that time, was less understood than today. Its severe attacks, like he was being choked by cruel unseen hands, felt like Death was teasing him. It made him aware, even at an early age, of his own mortality. He could die anytime. So he teased Death back. Asthma made him bold, reckless and brave. It was as if certain that his condition would certainly claim his life sooner or later he’d decided to allow a less ignominious death a chance to claim him.

Life gave him a family with no financial worries. His was a well-connected one with upper middle-class comforts which gave him an education without need for sacrifices. He was a doctor of medicine who didn’t have to practice his profession to feed himself or support his parents or siblings. Instead, he sought adventure, first riding a bike to try to explore his country and nearby environs, then attempting to reach all the countries in Latin America with a motorcycle with a friend (thus, his book The Motorcycle Diaries).

His peregrinations were what led him, accidentally, to Fidel Castro and his Cuban revolution which, by sheer luck (it could have easily failed if not for some astounding stroke of good fortune), succeeded.

As he was blessed also with good looks, he had tremendous charisma. A socialite, seeing him at a party, gushed and exclaimed: “What a beautiful man!” Not just “handsome”, but beautiful. An adjective usually attached to a woman. As if he had the complete physical perfection of both the male and female sex combined. His attractive physical attributes, of course, added to his popularity. They helped give him confidence as a peacock would strut and preen, knowing its feathers are impressive. Castro made him a poster boy of the Cuban revolutionary success and he was given exalted positions at the newly-formed Cuban government and he was Cuba’s ambassador-at-large.

He was a reader, a true one. Not the type who would have himself photographed carrying a book or reading it but only for show. He had read Baudelaire, Mallarme, Verlaine, Dumas and Zola in the original French, as well as Faulkner and Steinbeck in translation. Because he was a true intellectual, he had strong ideas. His anti-imperialist sentiments had convinced him that revolution is the solution, and that it will succeed, in any place under the yoke of imperialism. That was why even if he could have just stayed in Cuba a successful revolutionary and a powerful politician he left. First he went to Africa in an attempt to propagate the ideals of revolution there but he failed. Then he tried his luck in Bolivia where all he and his hapless men practically did was to march in the wilderness here and there before he was captured alive, wounded, and executed (although it was made to appear he died in battle).

He perished with his ideals intact but not all consider him a hero. In some publications he was said to have been a racist and a murderer (having been in charge of the cold-blooded execution of Castro’s political enemies) but in this book, written by an admirer, mention was made of him having killed only one man.

A child of history made famous by accidents of fate, his hairy facial profile, with his beret, is now in t-shirts everywhere.
Profile Image for Prasanna Venkadesh.
9 reviews6 followers
January 18, 2015
I was wondering what made Che an universal icon when it comes to people's rebel. I have seen him on T-Shirts, Posters in my country (India), Swags, etc., No matter, where I go, I see him. And his Charismatic looks took my attentions for granted.

Though, Che did not wanted him to be associated his citizenship with just one country that he was born, this book written by one of his fellow Argentine moves along from his Childhood till his death.

For anyone who reads Marx and his works, will definitely do look at things from a different viewport with a clarity. It will slowly turn a man from ordinary to Revolutionary, there is no doubt about it. But Che Guevara is an benchmark for any revolutionary.

An Quote from the book by the Author

"He was an intellectual as well as a medical doctor and a soldier. Che could have been a scientist, a researcher, a writer, a teacher, a photographer, but he had to become a guerrilla leader because that was where he felt he was most needed. He believed he had no choice. As Francesco Rosi said, 'Some ideas are greater than men, but some men are as great as their ideas. I don't just say that because I believe it is true, but because Che Guevara proved that it is true'.

"He saw the solution in an exalted form of Marxism that would bring freedom and brotherhood. Such men are born to be martyrs." - Herbert L. Matthews, Revolution in Cuba.

Long Live Che! Hastla la Victoria Siempre!
Profile Image for T.M. Lakomy.
Author 1 book66 followers
December 6, 2017
Che was a lot like Buddha, left privilege behind to fight for the indigenous and the downtrodden, shat on by imperialism and the Europeans.... a fighter yes but for the sake of humanity to balance out the scales, still reading and discovering
Profile Image for Donna.
36 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2017
Great book. Gives great insight into Che as a person his person history and his works as a revolutionary.
Also gives a lot of detail about the political history of latin america as well as the cuban revolution.
Profile Image for David Hollingsworth.
Author 2 books9 followers
June 2, 2024
Even though I'm a Latin American historian with a specialization in Cuba, I only knew the main contours of Che Guevara's life: his transformative travels around Latin America, his linking up with the Cuban revolutionaries in Mexico, his leadership in the Cuban Revolution, his less successful attempts at fostering revolution in Africa and Bolivia until his death in 1967. I wanted to learn about his life in more detail. This seemed like the book to do it.

Lucia Alvarez de Toledo is an Argentine writer who gives us a thorough, well-documented story of Che's life. The fact she's Argentine is especially helpful in explaining a few of his uniquely Argentine thoughts, expressions, and actions. She also directly interviewed many people from Argentina connected to Che, including members of his own family who felt more comfortable speaking to a fellow Argentine than speaking to other people who have badgered them to talk about Che. For these reasons, this book is one of the best- if not THE best- books you can read about Guevara. She very clearly admires him, but honestly, as both a Latino and a Latin American historian, I firmly think if you don't admire the man at least a little there's something wrong with you.

My only complaint is that this book could've been easily 50 pages shorter. Alvarez de Toledo will often give historical context to certain things she is talking about, which I normally think is a good thing. At times they feel unnecessary, though, coming off more like tangents than useful contextualization. Like when you're talking to someone and they start explaining something to you, eventually devolving into side stories about side stories. Her writing isn't dry so I wouldn't say hinders the quality of the biography too much, but it does make it feel like there's unnecessary length in some areas.

With that said, I'm glad I read this book. Che Guevara was a truly extraordinary human being. He probably wouldn't want someone saying that about him, and as a historian critical of Great Person narratives of history I hesitate to say it for my own reasons as well, but this man was exceptional. He lived a life of courage, conviction, and sacrifice, all while keeping his mind sharp with constant reading and his medical skills sharp by stopping to help those in need whenever he could. We don't get human beings life Che often. If you want to learn more about him, I'd recommend this book.
Profile Image for Daniel Kukwa.
4,743 reviews123 followers
August 31, 2025
It's a much more personal biography than one might be expecting, making many of his actions and efforts subordinate to his personal life and the influences that shaped him. Written by a friend, it goes out of the way to give you the man, as opposed to the message...although the author does call out cliches and the errors of others. What I found particularly fascinating was the impact of Argentine history on Che...a history that more and more people should learn in order to properly understand the South American reality.
Profile Image for Andreea Sălăgean.
2 reviews
August 25, 2023
The book presents the life of Che Guevara from an admiring perspective and definetly biased. You have to keep this in mind when you read the book. Many international historical events are presented in the book which is really captivating. I enjoyed reading the book and learn about the start of his career ,however, I have the feeling that some things are not mentioned in order to keep him in a good light.
Profile Image for Mark Wardlaw.
Author 1 book33 followers
December 15, 2017
I enjoyed this book which gets inside the mind set of this charismatic yet enigmatic leader. Love him or loath him most would like to know what made him the pin up of his and the next generation. The author Lucia Alvarez De Toledo presents Che Guevara’s story in a clear, factual narrative devoid of political bias that has been so prevalent in other accounts.
Che Guevara came from a background of privilege in Argentina. He studied medicine, became a doctor and travelled widely in Southern and Central America as a young man. It is not everyone who can feel the pulse of the poor and then want to do something radical to change the causes. He saw first-hand the effect of America’s foreign policy as fledgling states that had only recently thrown away the chains of European Colonialization then faced the USA’s hysteria against any possibility of communism.
Though guerrilla warfare was successful in Cuba and allowed Che Guevara to successfully establish a new social order of literacy, education and empowerment of the poor, it could not be applied in the same way to other countries as The Congo and Bolivia would prove.
Whether ultimately misguided or not Che Guevara’s appeal to the downtrodden and oppressed shines through the pages of this excellent book. “If you are capable of trembling with indignation each time an injustice is committed in the world, we are comrades."
2 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2014
Pretty self praising, the author praises about himself(/herself) a lot in between, but written in a very simple way. Really nice story all along
Profile Image for lucie ★.
16 reviews
December 11, 2023
Clear retelling and analysis of Che Guevaras life from childhood to the final battle, relatively easy read considering its contents. Additionally, due to it being written by an Argentine woman (Lucía Álvarez de Toledo) who grew up in Guevaras home country during his 'rise to fame' it gives you a different perspective on him comparative to other authors (men). Overall I would recommend to anybody regardless of political position or revolutionary prowess, viva la revolucion!
3 reviews
October 18, 2018
As short as I can manage.
The writer appears quite biased in favor of Guevara and to some decree the communist clique. This may be to various reasons, perhaps even due to this readers lack of knowledge around that time period and other notable variables.
However, that said, the book is an excellent and well-written read which I will endorse.
5 reviews
December 16, 2018
An excellent read, Che was such an intelligent, fascinating person. I learnt so much about Latin American history from this book. I highly recommend it.
263 reviews
March 23, 2021
Interesting story of Che Guevara's life from someone who is clearly a fan of him
Profile Image for Aditya Tomar.
22 reviews21 followers
October 14, 2022
'Some ideas are greater than men, but some men are as great as their ideas. I don't just say that because I believe it's true, but because Che Guevara proved that it is true.'
Profile Image for Jude D'Souza.
18 reviews
April 26, 2023
A nice view into the 19th century life in Argentina and around. The early adolescence of Che was engaging and infectious. I couldn't get enough.
188 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2017
Great insight into a unique life. Inspirational.
72 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2016
I was looking for a book that gave me the story of Che without going into details that were unimportant. I started reading another book on Che, a tome of a book, and felt that it went into too many details of his childhood, and it lost me.

This book did not lose me. It provided insight into Che's character without playing to hero worship, as well as gave a perspective from an Argentinian. This is important, as it provides insight into the culture of the country and family that Che was born into and grew from.

The back of the book notes that the author, Lucia Alvarez de Toledo, spent 15 years researching Che. This is a point re-iterated in the Introduction. As I read through the book, the research became very evident, and this added to my enjoyment of the book.

I would recommend this book for a few reasons. Lucia's writing style is very enjoyable and I found myself reluctant to put the book down. As with biographies of this nature it's hard to keep track of names, but I found myself interested in the characters, and excited to find out what happened next. There are also passages in this book that I will return to over and over again. The first is an account of an Argentine journalist who met with Che with a group of others, after the successful revolution in Cuba. Che describes his plans for the revolution in Argentina, and afterwards asks if anyone has any questions. The journalist questions how Che will deal with the many levels of military forces that will be sent against his guerrilla troops. After seeing the expression on Che's face, and the answer, he regrets questioning Che, a man of great conviction.

The epilogue is also a piece that I will revisit.

Finally, I got out of this book exactly what I was looking for, an insight into Che. I found the conviction Che showed in his beliefs, and in his feelings for the disenfranchised, and his courage to be inspiring.

I will be revisiting this book in the new year to remind myself to keep strong, as Che did when he travelled through Latin America on very little, and fighting for a revolution under harsh conditions, and continue fighting incredible stress, and to work as hard as possible to make this world a better place.
27 reviews9 followers
June 23, 2015
'Che',I was familiar with this name from my childhood,but I did not know much about him on those days, of course I knew that he was a revolutionist but nothing more. When I watched Walter Salles' 'The Motorcycle Diaries'(a film, based on the written memoir of Ernesto Che Guevara), I was flattered by how an young doctor became a revolutionist and I was very eager to know much about him. That was my intention to read this book.

Now about this book, as the cover page of the book says, 'Its a perfect introduction to an extra ordinary man'. This book describes the personal and political life of Che Guevara,as simple as possible, that even I, a person who is not much aware about the political and historic scenario of South America, can understand his journey of life. Since it was the first book I read about Che Guevara, it give a lots of information to me. In 'Story of Che Guevara', Lucia Alvarez De Toledo begins the Legend's story before his birth. The author concentrate more about Argentina's political development, than Che's childhood days, which was very helpful to me for understanding the country's political situations. As the the life of Ernesto progresses the book became a page turner like a best seller fiction...!!

But I felt that the author tried to view all the situations in Che's perspective only, which erases the negative part ( may be he doesn't had any, I am not sure about those) of his decisions and life.And another thing I felt missing is that his life in Africa, the book did not mention much about those days of Guevara in Congo.

Any way 'Story of Che Guevara' helped me to understand Ernesto Che Guevara much closer, and I would like to thank Lucia Alvarez De Toledo for this work..!!
Profile Image for Raluca.
40 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2016
This book is written more from a personal perspective, rather than a historical one. It means to introduce us to Che the human being rather than the revolutionary. The author is obviously an admirer of Che's - and she admits so from the start. Her sources are Che's diaries, his letters to his family and the testimonials of people who fought by his side.

I do not doubt the accuracy of the sources but we must bare in mind that they are presenting only one point of view: Che's. The author glosses over his less admirable acts and executions and I do not feel that she addresses them strong enough to convince me that the other side did not also have a valid point.

If you want an objective view on Che, this may not be the best choice. But it's a good story, it's well written and it's an accurate portrayal of at least one side of things.
Profile Image for Abhishek Shandilya.
6 reviews10 followers
August 24, 2012
The book describes things in plain and simple way, (and I am inclined to accept the author's comment that this was straight from an Argentinian for an Argentinian). But there are questions unanswered.
Moreover, the book has a kind of monotonous narration, and had it not been interesting times about which it was written, and coupled with my own intrigues, it would have been difficult to keep turning pages after an interval. All the same, this also becomes the differentiating aspect for it.
For a generation, who sees Che Guevara as a hero without knowing much about him, this book might be a good starter; and not just to know about the person who is on the T-Shirt, but to raise critical questions whether he deserves to be there as a hero.
Profile Image for Marie.
17 reviews
January 20, 2013
"Humans must stop being the slaves and tools of their environment and transform themselves into architects of their own destiny"

Up until the revolution Cuba had been a casino and brothel for the imperialistic giants USA and Europe while much of the native population were illiterate, toothless, underfed and had a life expectancy of 30 years!
Che Guevara was a true revolutionary and champion for the disenfranchised, the poor the dispossessed and the exploited.
This was an inspiring, factual, educating, raw, empowering and eye opening read.
Che Guevara....Hero and freedom fighter! Gracias Che you will live on.....always and forever!
838 reviews85 followers
January 5, 2013
An interesting over view as a whole of the life of Che Guevara. Nothing too much I didn't already know and she's not the first writer to dismiss the myths that have been born around his life and death. Well written although it would have been an added bonus if she had made a lsit at the back of the book of recommended reading and who she used mostly to borrow from on her research. The book does make a great change from the Argentine perspective.
Profile Image for Bea Cienfuegos.
1 review1 follower
December 13, 2014
I really loved this book! For me it's well explained, you can easily understand the whole story and changes along his life, and it gives you a different perspective. Facts that the author tell us are veridic ones, and it really makes you read faster and faster when you are in the middle of the story. In my opinion is a good book that everyone should read, independently of your own political ideals or thoughts.
67 reviews
February 24, 2014
Three stars because the story is amazing but not particularly well told in this book. It reads as a chronology of his life without spending much time expounding on the motivations for certain decisions or major choices. It also has the tone of someone gushing over a childhood hero so not all that neutral.

I'm sure another biography would add more colour to an incredible life story.
Profile Image for Ali Mohsin.
6 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2015
Author's research and knowledge about Che is astounding which justifies the occasional pride she has in herself. The book gives a sound explanation of all aspects of Che's life and the reader comes out knowing how and why he did what he did. It also gives a good account of the political situation and popular beliefs prevalent in Latin America and other related regions.
79 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2015
Inspirational..... A good book , giving you an insight into Che's life... Although the author is an Argentine, I didn't feel the book to be too biased. A very honest portrayal of a global hero . . Not just this book, but I would recommend any biography about this man as a must read ..
Profile Image for Eva D..
159 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2014
Pretty unique perspective on Che's life, even though the author is ridiculously heavy handed in her self praise at the time. More so than most biographers.
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