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Travelling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary
In 1952 Alberto Granado, a young doctor, and his friend Ernesto Guevara, a 23-year-old medical student from a distinguished Buenos Aires family decided to explore their continent. They set off from Cordoba in Argentina on a 1949 Norton 500cc motorbike and travelled through Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. They worked as casual labourers along the way, as football coaches, medical assistants and haulage hands. The poverty and exploitation of the native population changed them for ever. Each man later wrote an account of the journey.
Alberto Granado realised later in his life that what they saw and encountered on their journey represented a crucial turning point. It strengthened Alberto's determination to forge his career as a scientist. And it started the process that was to turn Ernesto - the debonair, fun-loving student - into Che, the man who fought for the liberation of Cuba and became the heroic and glamorous warrior fighting for freedom and social justice, who remains to this day in people's minds Latin America's foremost hero and one of the world's great revolutionaries. A companion to Che's Motorcycle Diaries, Alberto Granado's book is a moving and at times hilarious account of how two carefree young men found their true purpose in life.
Alberto Granado realised later in his life that what they saw and encountered on their journey represented a crucial turning point. It strengthened Alberto's determination to forge his career as a scientist. And it started the process that was to turn Ernesto - the debonair, fun-loving student - into Che, the man who fought for the liberation of Cuba and became the heroic and glamorous warrior fighting for freedom and social justice, who remains to this day in people's minds Latin America's foremost hero and one of the world's great revolutionaries. A companion to Che's Motorcycle Diaries, Alberto Granado's book is a moving and at times hilarious account of how two carefree young men found their true purpose in life.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
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1271 people want to read
About the author
Alberto Granado
14 books9 followersAlberto Granado (August 8, 1922 – March 5, 2011) was an Argentine–Cuban biochemist, doctor, writer, and scientist. He was also the youthful friend and traveling companion of revolutionary Che Guevara during their 1952 trip around Latin America, and later founded the Santiago School of Medicine in Cuba. He authored the memoir Traveling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary, which served as a reference for the 2004 film The Motorcycle Diaries, in which he was played by Rodrigo de la Serna. An elderly Alberto Granado makes a short appearance at the end of the film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 9, 2009
This is a diary Alberto Granado kept during a seven month road trip with Ernesto Guevara in 1952. They started out in Buenos Aires, crossed over to Chile, and worked their way up the Pacific coast of South America, then into the Amazon and eventually up to Caracas, Venezuela. Although they did manage to have a lot of fun, this wasn't a lark like you'd expect from two buddies in their twenties. They had specific goals of observing social injustice and caring for lepers. They traveled with almost no money and had to rely on the generosity and good will of the people they met along the way. Sometimes they went days without food, and often had nowhere to sleep.
Alberto was an M.D. and Ernesto was a doctor in training, so they visited several leprosariums for extended stays, caring for the patients and observing how the places were operated.
Both had a strong desire for social change, so they also visited several mining operations and other industries to observe how the local people were being exploited to fatten Yankee wallets. It's interesting, as an American, to see capitalism described so unflatteringly, but it really is exploitation. Millions of peons slaving away so a limited few can be obscenely rich. Too bad the other systems are no better.
This was pretty interesting for amateur travel writing that was not originally intended for publication. The second half was more interesting. I especially liked the part where they traveled down the Amazon. They built a raft and floated it like a couple of Argentinian Huck Finns!!
Alberto was an M.D. and Ernesto was a doctor in training, so they visited several leprosariums for extended stays, caring for the patients and observing how the places were operated.
Both had a strong desire for social change, so they also visited several mining operations and other industries to observe how the local people were being exploited to fatten Yankee wallets. It's interesting, as an American, to see capitalism described so unflatteringly, but it really is exploitation. Millions of peons slaving away so a limited few can be obscenely rich. Too bad the other systems are no better.
This was pretty interesting for amateur travel writing that was not originally intended for publication. The second half was more interesting. I especially liked the part where they traveled down the Amazon. They built a raft and floated it like a couple of Argentinian Huck Finns!!
April 27, 2007
If you're looking for a glimpse into the making of Che Guevara, then this is arguably the best option, even more so than Che's own documentation of this journey in his Motorcycle Diaries.
However, this is by no means a political work, and anyone interested in true, amusing, life-changing travel stories should enjoy this, regardless of background knowledge on Guevara, or opinion of him.
Granado was able to edit this book to show the relevant moments in their journey that would eventually lead Guevara to Marxism, whereas Che was unfortunately not able to add to his diaries, making this a far better account of their journey through Latin America, which is made yet more enjoyable by Alberto Granado's humourous observations and wit.
However, this is by no means a political work, and anyone interested in true, amusing, life-changing travel stories should enjoy this, regardless of background knowledge on Guevara, or opinion of him.
Granado was able to edit this book to show the relevant moments in their journey that would eventually lead Guevara to Marxism, whereas Che was unfortunately not able to add to his diaries, making this a far better account of their journey through Latin America, which is made yet more enjoyable by Alberto Granado's humourous observations and wit.
August 6, 2016
Traveling with Che Guevara is the diary written by Alberto Granado while on his journey across South America alongside Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, for whom this journey would mark the beginning of his transformation into a revolutionary. 'The Motorcycle Diaries' is the diary written by Che, and should most likely be read first. However, Traveling with Che Guevara is a great account in its own right, and gives insight into Ernesto's personality and evolution into a revolutionary that not even his own diary could pinpoint. Not only this, it lets those curious about their journey relive it through the eyes of someone other than Ernesto.
In contrast with the Motorcycle Diaries, the translation of this book seems rougher and less true to the meaning of Alberto's words in parts. As well as this, Ernesto's version is much more poetic and his writing more elaborate. Traveling with Che is a diary based mostly on day to day accounts of the long-awaited journey in which Granado finally gets to live his dream: to travel his continent on his own terms, seeing the two sides of the coin: the injustice that occurs through exploitation of the poor against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape.
In contrast with the Motorcycle Diaries, the translation of this book seems rougher and less true to the meaning of Alberto's words in parts. As well as this, Ernesto's version is much more poetic and his writing more elaborate. Traveling with Che is a diary based mostly on day to day accounts of the long-awaited journey in which Granado finally gets to live his dream: to travel his continent on his own terms, seeing the two sides of the coin: the injustice that occurs through exploitation of the poor against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape.
April 18, 2017
Che Guevara's companion Alberto Granado, who was junior doctor and Guevara who was a medical student travelled South American educating prpfessional leprologists about new preventative actions in controlling the spread of leprosy. Most of the time, their presence and guidance was appreciated. Not always. Once they were kicked out of their accommodations for educating the experienced dcotr in the field. Oh well.... On to other adventures.
Interesting side note: Che Guevara ca,e from a middle-class family. I wonder why they never got allergy shots? Seems that the connection between allergies and asthama was not as commonly known as now.....Just like the leprologists didn't ways know and mostly were willing to try now preventative measures?
Read this book for my "What does it Mean to be Hispanic" reading thread. Political revolt is an important aspect of any group's history. So I wanted to see how Che Guevara became Che Che Guevara.
Interesting side note: Che Guevara ca,e from a middle-class family. I wonder why they never got allergy shots? Seems that the connection between allergies and asthama was not as commonly known as now.....Just like the leprologists didn't ways know and mostly were willing to try now preventative measures?
Read this book for my "What does it Mean to be Hispanic" reading thread. Political revolt is an important aspect of any group's history. So I wanted to see how Che Guevara became Che Che Guevara.
June 20, 2024
wondermooie beschrijvingen van landschappen gebonden aan rake overpeizingen - wou dat ik dit vroeger in m'n eigen reis las
March 7, 2024
Interesting insight into the early development of Che Guevara's political ideals and a well-told travel diary.
August 9, 2016
Bicycles were the preferred mode of transportation in Anne Mustoe's pilgrimage in Amber, Furs and Cockleshells: Bike Rides with Pilgrims and Merchants and in the cross-country ride shown in Tim Cope's and Chris Hatherly's Off The Rails. In an upgraded version, going on a motorcycle allows a traveler to go faster due to the inclusion of mechanical assistance, however, just like every vehicle, it also falls into disrepair after some time. And with that, one must exhaust every mile that your preferred means of transportation can do.
I loved the film The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) by Walter Salles because of the rawness of the characters and of course, the spirit of adventure that the film has althroughout. This film is based on the memoir written by Guevara himself when he made the life-changing trip with Granado, whose diary also inspired the film.
In Traveling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary (2004) by Alberto Granado, as translated by Lucia Alvarez de Toledo, the dynamic duo of Granado and Ernesto "Che" Guevara gets on a Norton motorcycle and goes through South America --- from Peru to Venezuela, Argentina to Chile, to learn about its diverse culture, specifically, to meet various personalities that are often unheard and generalized at the time. Both come from a medical background, and probably their main research is thus concerned with those people afflicted with leprosy. With the chance to visit a number of hospitals and leprosaria, Granado and Guevara witnessed how bleak the conditions that these people are in, not to mention the lack of stability in terms of observation and continued support by the government in certain places.
Aside from their medical journey, they are also exposed to the unfair treatment of local government units as influenced by the prevalent dictatorial nature of the countries that they have been to, which also includes racism -- the Europeans and half-castes on the Indians and locals. While the bulk of their travels consisted of having to deal with unruly souls and Guevara's bouts of asthma, the people they have met along the way made their 7-month journey worth it and the bond that they shared has concretized their friendship, one that will transcend countries and time. The trip eventually starts Guevara's revolutionary statement of using radical means to overcome economic inequalities and social injustices. Overall, one can only wish (and hopefully realize) that having a true sense of camaraderie is finding treasure in itself.
I loved the film The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) by Walter Salles because of the rawness of the characters and of course, the spirit of adventure that the film has althroughout. This film is based on the memoir written by Guevara himself when he made the life-changing trip with Granado, whose diary also inspired the film.
In Traveling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary (2004) by Alberto Granado, as translated by Lucia Alvarez de Toledo, the dynamic duo of Granado and Ernesto "Che" Guevara gets on a Norton motorcycle and goes through South America --- from Peru to Venezuela, Argentina to Chile, to learn about its diverse culture, specifically, to meet various personalities that are often unheard and generalized at the time. Both come from a medical background, and probably their main research is thus concerned with those people afflicted with leprosy. With the chance to visit a number of hospitals and leprosaria, Granado and Guevara witnessed how bleak the conditions that these people are in, not to mention the lack of stability in terms of observation and continued support by the government in certain places.
Aside from their medical journey, they are also exposed to the unfair treatment of local government units as influenced by the prevalent dictatorial nature of the countries that they have been to, which also includes racism -- the Europeans and half-castes on the Indians and locals. While the bulk of their travels consisted of having to deal with unruly souls and Guevara's bouts of asthma, the people they have met along the way made their 7-month journey worth it and the bond that they shared has concretized their friendship, one that will transcend countries and time. The trip eventually starts Guevara's revolutionary statement of using radical means to overcome economic inequalities and social injustices. Overall, one can only wish (and hopefully realize) that having a true sense of camaraderie is finding treasure in itself.
August 6, 2012
Alberto Granado’s diary of his 7-month trip across South America with Ernesto-before-he-was-“Che” Guevara. It was a good, but not-quite-as-enticing a read as I would’ve thought, for a couple big reasons.
For one, the duo’s trip seemed much more reinforcing rather than formative of their worldview (singular not plural – as far as I can remember, Granado and Guevara always seem to have the same ideas). It seems like their trip confirms what they already know, whereas I was more interested in seeing an evolution in that respect. Secondly, the political opinions almost always seemed to the negative – eg, what institutions don’t work, what systems deserve to be overthrown, etc – than specific about what these new institutions would actually look like. That point nonewithstanding, Granado’s descriptions give the reader very true insight into the rationale behind the politics, as the pair has reoccurring encounters with miserable working conditions, corrupt officials and soldiers, and ill-staffed hospitals and leper sanctuaries. True to the Marxist narrative, even the Church is negatively featured in a short scene or two.
On a different level though, seeing the human side – from chronic asthma attacks to chasing women at parties – of such a polarizing figure as Guevara was interesting in itself.
For one, the duo’s trip seemed much more reinforcing rather than formative of their worldview (singular not plural – as far as I can remember, Granado and Guevara always seem to have the same ideas). It seems like their trip confirms what they already know, whereas I was more interested in seeing an evolution in that respect. Secondly, the political opinions almost always seemed to the negative – eg, what institutions don’t work, what systems deserve to be overthrown, etc – than specific about what these new institutions would actually look like. That point nonewithstanding, Granado’s descriptions give the reader very true insight into the rationale behind the politics, as the pair has reoccurring encounters with miserable working conditions, corrupt officials and soldiers, and ill-staffed hospitals and leper sanctuaries. True to the Marxist narrative, even the Church is negatively featured in a short scene or two.
On a different level though, seeing the human side – from chronic asthma attacks to chasing women at parties – of such a polarizing figure as Guevara was interesting in itself.
April 11, 2014
It was a good read of a young man's big dream trip diary. Not just because of his good job done on recording the scenery, people, event and thoughts on the way... It was about his companion, Che Guevara, and about the beautiful and mystic western of Latin America! It inspired me a lot for a tour there myself!
Che Guevara of course has been a controversial political figure. He is the symbol of Latin American forever young rebelling revolutionary. Also he was accused as a radical ideologist, a guerrilla fighter and a cold blooded executor (I think the CIA did a good job criminalizing him)... This dairy serves well as a profile description of how this medical student, keen sportsman and widely read intellect was shaped into a fighter for others to undo the injustice of foreign exploitation and dictatorship. The world he saw changed him, thus he then changed the world.
After reading this book, I also watched several documentaries on Che's biography and one movie "Cuba" about his involvement in Cuba revolution. He was truly an extraordinary person... His words are still pondering in my thought: "The true revolution is guided by love... love of humanity, justice and truth. Without the love, it is never an authentic revolution."
Che Guevara of course has been a controversial political figure. He is the symbol of Latin American forever young rebelling revolutionary. Also he was accused as a radical ideologist, a guerrilla fighter and a cold blooded executor (I think the CIA did a good job criminalizing him)... This dairy serves well as a profile description of how this medical student, keen sportsman and widely read intellect was shaped into a fighter for others to undo the injustice of foreign exploitation and dictatorship. The world he saw changed him, thus he then changed the world.
After reading this book, I also watched several documentaries on Che's biography and one movie "Cuba" about his involvement in Cuba revolution. He was truly an extraordinary person... His words are still pondering in my thought: "The true revolution is guided by love... love of humanity, justice and truth. Without the love, it is never an authentic revolution."
December 9, 2016
Two sides of a coin
Heads refer to beautiful, fertile, rich with minerals South American landscapes.
Tails mean western or elitist exploitation of those resources that leave the natives in poverty.
((Seeing Heads always dominating the tails the Revolution Begins))
This book is about the two young travelers (Granado & fuser ) who is traveling to the most of the Latin America, this book is full of adventures,they travel by all kind of possible ways,but the interesting part is the view on Ernesto. how he was in his young age & his views on the world which made a transformation as a revolutionary personality.
Heads refer to beautiful, fertile, rich with minerals South American landscapes.
Tails mean western or elitist exploitation of those resources that leave the natives in poverty.
((Seeing Heads always dominating the tails the Revolution Begins))
This book is about the two young travelers (Granado & fuser ) who is traveling to the most of the Latin America, this book is full of adventures,they travel by all kind of possible ways,but the interesting part is the view on Ernesto. how he was in his young age & his views on the world which made a transformation as a revolutionary personality.
November 28, 2022
Compared with The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey, written by Guevara about the same journey, this one is more eloquently written. Granado makes more detailed observations on the landscapes and climates of this long road trip than Guevara, and there's enough contrast between their descriptions of the other people they encounter on their travels to see the spirit of each man distinct from the other. Granado is a poet; Guevara has his eyes on posterity.
October 21, 2013
Un viaje épico por Latinoamérica con muchos contratiempos, y una lectura muy entretenida y ligera.
Si ya viste la película "Diarios de Motocicleta" vas a conocer la mayoría de las situaciones que van a vivir los dos personajes del libro, sin embargo, dado que se trata de un diario de viaje real, lo más interesante son las anotaciones y opiniones que Alberto Granado va dejando regadas en el relato.
Si ya viste la película "Diarios de Motocicleta" vas a conocer la mayoría de las situaciones que van a vivir los dos personajes del libro, sin embargo, dado que se trata de un diario de viaje real, lo más interesante son las anotaciones y opiniones que Alberto Granado va dejando regadas en el relato.
May 20, 2017
Alberto Granado's account of the South American road trip he made with Ernesto Guevara. I read it in tandem with Ernesto's book, and was struck by the different approaches. Alberto is much more serious, reflective, and it's interesting to see how the two different people viewed the same events. Very profound reading, and gives great insights into how some experiences can shape your whole life.
November 16, 2019
"This is how it is. Heads and tails, always the two sides of the coin. The beauty of the landscape and the natural wealth of the land set against the poverty of those who work it. The nobility and generosity of the poor set against the mean and sordid spirits of the landowners and of those who rule the country."
October 28, 2013
Un viaje a la triste realidad de nuestro continente, el dolor y las alegrías de nuestra historia. "...mi casa rodante tendrá dos patas otra vez y mis sueños no tendrán fronteras, hasta que las balas digan al menos. Te espero, gitano sedentario, cuando el olor a pólvora amaine."
Che
Che
April 17, 2021
This was a very interesting book, that I had to come back to a couple of times. It’s probably the first delve into South America’s history, and I enjoyed the journal-like writing, although at times it the writing could have done with a bit of editing.
All in all, a good, insightful read.
All in all, a good, insightful read.
July 14, 2023
Don’t think I have much of a choice but to travel South America and become the pre-eminent social revolutionary of all time
August 12, 2023
Una lectura bellísima y lingüísticamente curiosa y hermosa. Me dan ganas de dejar mi trabajo y hacer este viaje tan sumamente enriquecedor para la mente, el cuerpo y la conciencia.
October 8, 2020
Once again I’ve had one of those adventures that are only possible when you make your dreams come true.
~ Alberto Granado
Traveling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary by Alberto Granado is the diary that The Motorcycle Diaries was based. Granado (August 8, 1922 – March 5, 2011) was an Argentine–Cuban biochemist, doctor, writer, and scientist. He was also the youthful friend and traveling companion of revolutionary Che Guevara during their 1952 trip around Latin America, and later founded the Santiago School of Medicine in Cuba.
Traveling cross-continent was a challenge in the early 1950s, especially on a British motorcycle. Granted their Norton was more dependable than the Triumphs I rode years later, but that really isn't saying too much. Granado documents his trip with Che Guevara from Argentina, Chile, skirting Bolivia, into Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Of course, the diary is full of the problems encountered, good times, bad times, and the people they met. There are contrasts between the new industrial areas and the beauty of the natural land.
One thing that jumps out at the reader is the undertone of the book is the class system and exploitation. They visit a huge mine in Chile where the workers are poor, but the foreigners operating the mine make a fortune. There is a division between the landed and the workers. At tea harvest time, land owners put out hiring notices and people flooded in for the work. With the glut of labor, landowners auctioned off jobs to those willing to take the lowest wages. It is this treatment of the people that turned Che against the foreign capitalist and rich landowners. This became Che’s calling in life.
...the best and most generous of Chile is in its ordinary people, that we hadn’t been wrong in choosing the poor over the rich and the revolutionary over the reactionary.
This was a life changing trip for Che. Without it he may have become just another drone in the society that that was growing apart. Che is condemned by the West as would be expected by someone who openly opposed their system. He remains a hero to the poor and underclass in Latin America. Differing and passionate accounts from both camps keep Che’s life in controversy. No matter which side the reader occupies, the story is well worth reading. The accounts of the trip are entertaining and informative. This diary was originally printed in Spanish in 1978. It wasn't until the Cold War and the threat of communism were long over before it was published in English in 2003. With the normalizing of relations with Cuba, it will be interesting to see if many more Spanish language books on the struggle in Latin America will make it into English.
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December 31, 2020“The people have been deprived of every opportunity to discover their own power, for this would incite them to rebellion and increase their desire to live a better life.”
•
“... all these people, who talked about how deeply they felt the beauty of the night and the place, didn’t share my great desire that everyone in the world should be able to admire and enjoy such beauty.”
•
I love this book for its social commentary. Others will like it for its descriptions of natural settings. This is the story of Che Guevara and his companion Alberto Granado, and their travels through South America, told through Granado’s journal entries. You are most likely more familiar with Guevara’s perspective in “The Motorcycle Diaries.”
•
What a curious world. One where people you encounter give you a place to stay for the night, help you fix your motorcycle, go out to dinner with you, or invite you over for a meal. Where a fire department will let you be a firefighter with no previous experience. South American hospitality really popped off, but I’m wondering how much of the treatment came from the fact that Guevara and Granado were highly educated white men.
•
“... all these people, who talked about how deeply they felt the beauty of the night and the place, didn’t share my great desire that everyone in the world should be able to admire and enjoy such beauty.”
•
I love this book for its social commentary. Others will like it for its descriptions of natural settings. This is the story of Che Guevara and his companion Alberto Granado, and their travels through South America, told through Granado’s journal entries. You are most likely more familiar with Guevara’s perspective in “The Motorcycle Diaries.”
•
What a curious world. One where people you encounter give you a place to stay for the night, help you fix your motorcycle, go out to dinner with you, or invite you over for a meal. Where a fire department will let you be a firefighter with no previous experience. South American hospitality really popped off, but I’m wondering how much of the treatment came from the fact that Guevara and Granado were highly educated white men.
March 9, 2020
Naturally, after reading The Motorcycle Diaries, I had to pick up Alberto Grenado’s diary account of the trip which is hugely underrated, yet offers an additional insight into Che Guevara and Alberto’s friendship, as well as commentary on Che’s health struggles.
Alberto’s travel diary also shows the politics side of this famous trip and with him being several years older than Che, there is a slightly more mature and in-depth discussion of the injustices that the pair witnessed throughout South America.
Alberto’s travel diary also shows the politics side of this famous trip and with him being several years older than Che, there is a slightly more mature and in-depth discussion of the injustices that the pair witnessed throughout South America.
July 18, 2025
What a great story, providing precious insight into two wonderful humans. The author kept a running diary and subsequently published in Spanish, with English much later. The diary brings to life so much of the period and the continent. It was disappointing to reach the end.
December 23, 2020
a very interesting book to read and understand the character of Che and the making of a revolutionery...
September 14, 2021
I enjoyed.
February 9, 2022
Book was fine, but it got me interested in learning more about Che in the years following this adventure. So it was good in that sense!
December 31, 2023
A companion piece to Che's Motorcycle Diaries it covers the same ground but from his friend's perspective on the same events and fills in some more details.
November 27, 2024
It was difficult to get through this book. It was rather boring and I had a hard time getting involved with what the author was writing. I wouldn’t recommend.
January 23, 2025
Written with such casuality but also beauty.
September 19, 2019
I read this directly after reading John Lee Anderson's Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life and found it insightful although perhaps not the most honest account. It chronocles a motorcycle trip through South America with Alberto Granada and his cousin Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. The work was completed decades later after Che became Castro's right-hand man, executing Castro's plans for the Cuban Revolution.
Here, Granada develops this motocycle journey as the beginnings of Guevara's revolutionary spirit. Although everything here is relatively pacifist, he does show many of Guevara's social justice missions and shows where Che's life is headed, out of comfortable Buenos Aires and into the Revolution. The social justice account which sticks out to me is that of the Chilean miners, but there are many others and the account itself is very well written and quite memorable.
Because of the time lapse and the obvious cult figure of Che, Granada's account should be taken as a small piece of propaganda alongside the actual history of Che, yet at the same time, I do belive his account and found it jived well with Anderson's researched biography. The day-to-day stories Granada speaks of may be infused with appropriate fiction, but I do think his account as a whole is credible.
Also, this is the account used as the storyboard for the Gael Garcia Bernal film "The Motorcycle Diaries". Che's own account of this trip The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey does NOT seem to be as credible or as enjoyable as this account by Guevara.
Here, Granada develops this motocycle journey as the beginnings of Guevara's revolutionary spirit. Although everything here is relatively pacifist, he does show many of Guevara's social justice missions and shows where Che's life is headed, out of comfortable Buenos Aires and into the Revolution. The social justice account which sticks out to me is that of the Chilean miners, but there are many others and the account itself is very well written and quite memorable.
Because of the time lapse and the obvious cult figure of Che, Granada's account should be taken as a small piece of propaganda alongside the actual history of Che, yet at the same time, I do belive his account and found it jived well with Anderson's researched biography. The day-to-day stories Granada speaks of may be infused with appropriate fiction, but I do think his account as a whole is credible.
Also, this is the account used as the storyboard for the Gael Garcia Bernal film "The Motorcycle Diaries". Che's own account of this trip The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey does NOT seem to be as credible or as enjoyable as this account by Guevara.
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March 27, 2009Norton motorcycles are not very reliable. But like all well-constructed finely tuned machines (and men), when they are running well, they are things of glorious power and beauty.
26 March 2009
The guys finished their trip.
One of my favorite bits was when they were led into the Amazon to be engaged in a monkey hunt with some Indians, then a banquet of roasted monkey, which didn't sit well with Granado.
Then their raft trip on the Amazon - reminds one of "Aguirre" - and how Che made a difficult swim across the Amazon, just to say he'd done it.
Travel expands the mind, but didn't change these dude's politics. Just confirmed their socialist tendencies. South America rife with cruel capitalistic examples that would turn any conservative towards the way of the people.
26 March 2009
The guys finished their trip.
One of my favorite bits was when they were led into the Amazon to be engaged in a monkey hunt with some Indians, then a banquet of roasted monkey, which didn't sit well with Granado.
Then their raft trip on the Amazon - reminds one of "Aguirre" - and how Che made a difficult swim across the Amazon, just to say he'd done it.
Travel expands the mind, but didn't change these dude's politics. Just confirmed their socialist tendencies. South America rife with cruel capitalistic examples that would turn any conservative towards the way of the people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews