Compañero: The Life and Death of Che Guevara

Too often, books of history strive to distance themselves from the realm of exploration.

They present facts as if they are already known, or simply reflect a simplified and conventional method of referring to and summarizing competing schools of thought and a limited and digestible body of disputed evidence.

Such approaches lack the enriching quality that comes from evaluating details, penetrating complexity, and ultimately testing countless conflicting accounts.

It is pointless and, quite frankly, condescending when such authors (who are distinct from 'historians') attempt to embellish and divert the reader's attention from these fundamental processes of historical examination.

Jorge Castaneda has demonstrated in this work a loyalty to these central tenets of analysis.

He has made a truly remarkable contribution to 20th-century history.

It is challenging to find a book on the history of the early stages of the Cuban Revolution that is not blatantly favorable to a particular political entity or actor.

The same goes for Ernesto 'Che' Guevara.

While one of the least political yet most influential figures in this period of the Revolution, his contribution has left a mark that has endured far beyond his time as a driving force in Cuba and Latin America in the 1960s.

Castaneda's work is dedicated to an intense study of Guevara's life, but not through the lens of legacy - a refreshing approach.

His work is thorough, to say the least.

At times, its attempt to distill and distinguish what is known from what is assumed can be laborious.

However, this rigor is also its strength.

He shows a commitment to accepting complexity and presenting the reality of a highly contested life and era for the reader to draw their own conclusions.

The scope of his research is truly remarkable.

It draws on a vast review of literature on Guevara and the period in general, in both Spanish and English, and it collects and collates personal interviews and letters exchanged prior to the book's publication in 1997 with key figures from the period, as well as unpublished manuscripts and primary sources.

It also includes the results of a deep search of now declassified CIA, Soviet, Cuban, and Bolivian intelligence communication cables.

The extent of this research instills in the reader what I believe to be a crucial difference between a good work and an exemplary one: the need not to trust the author but rather the comfort of being able to gain a deeper understanding and form one's own informed opinion.

It expands the role of the reader from a passive recipient to an active participant in the analysis.

This is essential reading for those interested in or studying the Cuban Revolution, Cuban politics, the life of Che Guevara, or the geopolitical situation of Latin America during the Cold War.

He paints an insightful picture of the convoluted political landscape within the global Communist family and the Latin American left, made even more complex by the extensive involvement of the US through the CIA.

There is a passionate commitment to examining fact and fiction, providing a work that is aware of the mythology and has a sound understanding of how the myth came into being.

Castaneda's assessment presents a strong counterargument, highlighting the flaws in the myth and the political failure of Guevara's ideology and his revolutionary forays into Argentina, the Congo, and Bolivia.

Yet his work remains capable of sensitivity, understanding, and sympathy while maintaining honesty and the freedom to offer fierce and often acerbic criticism.

This book is truly remarkable.

I look forward to reading Castaneda's other works.

This historical book is truly interesting and well-written.

However, it shares the common trait of being a bit dry, similar to most historical tomes.

Despite this, it offers a wealth of knowledge. I delved deep into the details of his life, uncovering the complex web of motivations that drove politics during that era.

It also shed light on the factors that contributed to his large-scale idolization, for want of a more appropriate term.

The author's research is evident, presenting a comprehensive picture of the subject matter.

While the dryness may pose a challenge at times, the information gained makes it well worth the read.

It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the past and the forces that shaped it.

Overall, this book is a must-read for history enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of a particular period and its key figures.

Wow. If you have ever questioned why you see countless kids wearing Che's face, then read this book. It will make you still wonder what they are thinking.

Seriously.

Che's history is indeed a powerful one. However, whether it was for the good, bad, or indifferent - well, I've formed my opinion at least - thanks to this book.

The author does a great job in presenting the complex and controversial life of Che Guevara. The book delves into his early years, his revolutionary activities, and his lasting impact on the world.

One thing to note is that you can ignore the footnotes as they are not very helpful and only serve to confuse the reader.

Overall, this is a great book. It is well-written and really does a good job in explaining the far-reaching effects of Che's actions. It will make you think about the man and his ideology in a whole new light.

If you are interested in learning more about Che Guevara or the history of the Cuban Revolution, then this book is definitely worth a read.

Castaneda truly excels in both research and writing. His work presents a detailed and engaging account that enables the reader to embark on a journey of trying to connect with the times. It encourages individuals to form their own unique perspectives.

Putting politics aside for a moment, Che emerges as an extremely interesting and highly unusual character. His story is filled with adventure, passion, and a desire for change.

Castaneda's ability to bring Che's life and ideals to the forefront through his writing is remarkable. The book not only provides valuable insights into a specific era but also prompts readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.

Overall, Castaneda's work is a testament to his talent as a researcher and writer, and it offers a captivating exploration of an important figure and a significant period in history.

Wonderfully written by Castaneda, this book has truly captured my attention.

I have always been deeply interested in Che's life, his views on communism, and his friendship with Castro. So far, I have been truly enjoying this book. The author initially portrays Che as a good person. However, as I delved deeper into the book, I discovered that Che himself executed people. This revelation made me reevaluate my perception of him.

Now that I have finished the book, I fully understand Che's legacy. My respect for him has indeed changed. He was a very intelligent and interesting person. His actions and beliefs had a significant impact on the world. Despite the controversial aspects of his life, Che remains an important figure in history.

This book has provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of Che and has made me思考 his place in the world. It has also made me realize that history is often complex and that we should not simply view historical figures in a one-sided way.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Che and his impact on the world.

I've previously mentioned my struggle with biographies. By its very nature, a biography will introduce the biases and opinions of the author and reflect any limitations in their research.

This book is truly remarkable as it chronicles Che's entire life, from his privileged birth to his world-famous execution. It is well-researched, and it's clear that the author dedicated years to researching and writing this work. He has personally interacted with some of the most central figures in Che's life, and thus, this text holds great value as that opportunity may never be grasped again by any other biographer.

However, it was only after I completed the book and started looking up sources on the Internet that I uncovered a potential flaw in this biography.

The flaw lies in the author's portrayal of Che as somewhat hapless and naive, supported by his consistent depiction of Che as a "Christlike figure" who was betrayed by his closest aides. Many sources, even those ostensibly in support of Che Guevara, will admit that Che was extremely intelligent, calculating, and often ruthless in the pursuit of his ideals. For example, "Guevara exhibited great courage, skill in combat, and ruthlessness and soon became one of Castro’s ablest and most trusted aides. Guevara took responsibility for the execution of informers, insubordinates, deserters, and spies in the revolutionary army. He personally executed Eutimio Guerra, a suspected Batista informant, with a single shot from his.32 (7.65 mm) pistol." The rest of this article seems extremely fair and even reverent regarding Che's life story.

The author presents Che as an absolute victim in the Bolivian expedition and the events leading up to his death. However, even in his own Bolivian diary, Che acknowledged the increasing setbacks and failures, yet he did not present himself as an innocent victim.

I suppose the facts speak for themselves, but being aware of Che's intelligence and ruthlessness does not diminish his beliefs or accomplishments. Therefore, it wasn't entirely necessary for the author to try to soften his image. One thing the text does overlook, though, is the delicate chess game that Che engaged in during his fight for survival in both the Congo and Bolivia. He strategized and executed plan after plan to survive, even though it's evident that he made mistakes, relied on incorrect assumptions, was "betrayed" by desperate and defeated cadres, and was quite frankly abandoned by Castro.

Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but I also suggest that it be complemented with a healthy dose of independent research.

This is truly one of the finest biographies that I have had the pleasure of reading.

Castaneda, the author, is an incredibly talented biographer. He approaches his subject with a remarkable sense of balance, painting a vivid and unbiased portrait of Che.

On one hand, he expresses his admiration for Che, highlighting his many admirable qualities and achievements.

Yet, on the other hand, he does not shy away from presenting the less flattering aspects of Che's political life.

This honesty and objectivity make the biography all the more engaging and thought-provoking.

It allows the reader to form a more complete and nuanced understanding of Che, warts and all.

Overall, I would highly recommend this biography to anyone interested in learning more about Che and his complex and fascinating life.

A magnificent book indeed!

Castaneda presents a rather unique perspective. He manages to be both quite critical of Che Guevara's politics and yet, at the same time, shows a certain degree of sympathy. It's a delicate balance that he achieves masterfully.

After reading this book, I truly feel that I have gained a deeper understanding of Guevara. His ideals, his actions, and the context in which he operated all come to life.

If you have an interest in Guevara himself, or in the history of Cuba, Latin America, third world revolutions, or even Cuba's complex relations with the U.S. and the Soviet Union, then this book is definitely for you. It offers a wealth of information and insights that will surely engage and enlighten you.

It's a must-read for anyone who wants to explore these fascinating topics in more depth.