Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life by Jon Lee Anderson
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Book Reviews of Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life
Book Review: probably the best book I have ever read
Summary: 5 Stars
First off, to the reader who said this book is good is not great, he or she must not have been paying attention. Che is called che because che is argentinian slang for "hey you" something that was touched upon in the book. I think it was given to him by cuban expatriates while they were in Mexico. Second of all the reasons for his conversion to communism are well documented, and it begins in his childhood, which you refered to as a distant biography, or something along those lines. I suggest that you snort some aderol when reading a book of the magnitude, so you can process and retain the information better. On another note, the books itself reads like a movie, no other man has lived his life so passionatly but yet so cold heartedly at the same time. He is that guy, as said in the movie swingers, that you dont know whether you like him or not. It is amazing how, in the twentieth century no less, how one man can have the CIA on a wild goose chase for years (although it seems that saddam hussein is doing the same 35 years later). John Lee Anderson meticulous research and love for the topic shines throughout, even the pictures are captivating. This book is the most complete work on ,as Jean Michael Satre said, the most complete man of our timeBook Review: Excellente
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are looking for an excellent book on Che Guevara, this one is it. It has it all, from his parents and his birth to his death in 1967 and his eventual return to Cuba 30 years later.
This book is very descriptive and extremely in-depth, so expect more than a simple narrative. It is a big book, it will take a little while to read, but it is time well spent.
I believe this book was as 'neutral' as it could possibly be, considering the highly contentious intellectual atmosphere that surrounds academic discussion of Cuba and the Revolution. It does not gloss over the fact that Che executed people, both during and after the guerilla war. Similarly, the book does not avoid the obvious humanistic and loving episodes in the life of Ernesto Guevara de la Serna. For his neutrality and artful handling of such a complex historical figure, who lived his life against a backdrop of events still highly controversial today, I commend Mr. Anderson.
Before reading this book, Che was an icon to me: a heroic revolutionary with dreams of intercontinental liberation and universal justice.
After reading this book, Che the icon disappeared. He became, to quote his reputed last words, simply "a man."
Book Review: Can't praise it enough
Summary: 5 Stars
Possibly the best book I've read- it's thorough, accessible and objective. Che comes over as being similar to William Wallace- both only really had one big vicory followed by repeated failure then execution, but are inspiring none the less. Not only does the bookdetail Che's life, it also studies realpolitik in action, with the disgusting exploits of the CIA as they assassinate, and help to violently overthrow democratically elected governments when they disagree with the result, showing their true beliefs are those of property not freedom. The events of Guatemala, Chile, the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban missile crisis, Sino-soviet split, and more are all documented. Famous figures such as Malcolm X, JFK, Evita, Nasser, Nehru, Mao all crop up too. Overall this should be considered a compulsory read, particularly to those in America who know little of communism, the cold war etc. other than the propaganda they've been fed over the decades- it probably won't convert you but it will give you a greater understanding as to the other side of the argument. Granted, if you're intimidated by large book, this won't be for you- but then again what would Che think of someone who's afraid of an inanimate paper based product?
Book Review: The Man Behind the Myth
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first saw the book it did look a little chunky (nearly 800 pages) but the read was well worth the effort. It is the most comprehensive insight into Ches life I have ever read. He has clearly done his homework, unvealing things others haven't. He has basically documented almost all his movements during his time alive. I would definitely reccomend this book to anyone, people who follow Marx and those who don't. Even if you dont have a clue about Guevara you should definitely invest in this. It is a masterwork of biography. Andersen presents his views subjectively, never submiting to any preconceptions he may hold. He leaves it to you make your own mind up, but by the end of the book you seem to of built an affiliation with Guevara, and even if you know whats going to happen you always have a reaction when it does. It also gives an insight to modern South American history, after reading the book you will of gained a lot of knowledge on that area of the world. Im quite sure that part of Che's spirit lives on with this book, there is something about it which induces emotion and an attachment to Guevara in the reader. I praise Andersen for this excellent oppurtunity. Let the world know of CHE.Book Review: An awesome autobiography about an awesome man
Summary: 5 Stars
Che Guevara was an incredible human being. During his lifetime, he was labeled as a terrorist, but I think it is a mistake to dismiss him as that. He grew up in latin america, bore witness to the many injustices that people there suffered, and decided to do something about it. He could have lived a very comfortable life as a doctor in Argentina, but he decided to risk his life, safety and any possibility of a comfortable life to make the changes he saw needed to be made in his environment. This book should not be read as a biography of a communist, or a terrorist, but as one of an immensely intelligent, sensitive, and driven human being. After he had become one of the top officials in Cuba, he still did not live lavishly or comfortably. He worked longer and harder that most of his fellow Cubans to show that they could build their country through hard work. Yes, he was demanding, and brutal at times, but he was just as demanding and brutal on himself. He was a model of selflessness, and dedication, and ultimately lost his life to the causes he fought for.