Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 87 votes)
5 stars
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87 reviews
July 14,2025
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While I do not agree with the deification of Che Guevara, neither do I accept the negation of his efforts that runs through this book.

To paint him as a flawed man with grandiose ideas is one thing. He was, after all, a human being with his own set of strengths and weaknesses.

However, to portray him as nothing more than a spoiled child with delusions of grandeur throwing a temper tantrum is another. This is an unfair and inaccurate representation of a complex and influential figure.

Che Guevara's journey as documented in "The Motorcycle Diaries" was a significant one. It opened his eyes to the social and economic inequalities in Latin America and inspired him to take action.

His ideas and actions may have been controversial, but they cannot be simply dismissed or ignored. We should strive to understand his motives and the context in which he operated in order to have a more informed and nuanced view of his legacy.

July 14,2025
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A sprawling history of the life of Che Guevara unfolds in this biography. It delves deep into the politics of Latin America, using Argentina's favorite son as the central subject. I, who had known very little of the history surrounding the rise of Cuba, found myself completely mesmerized by this man's unwavering struggle for freedom against imperialist nations. The account presented here is an unbiased look at the political history of the 1950s and 1960s. Although I've never really been a history buff, I couldn't get enough of all the information this book contained. I devoured every detail, eager to understand the complex events and the man at the center of it all. However, it must be noted that this is not a page-turner in the traditional sense. It requires a patient and attentive reader to fully appreciate the depth and significance of the story being told.

July 14,2025
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A serious and in-depth view of Che's life events offers a comprehensive understanding of his remarkable journey.

The footnotes seem to be endless, indicating the author's meticulous research and attention to detail.

Through this extensive study, we can gain insights into the various aspects of Che's life, including his revolutionary activities, his ideals, and his impact on the world.

The author's great research efforts have allowed for a more accurate and detailed portrayal of Che, enabling readers to form a more informed opinion about this iconic figure.

Overall, this serious in-depth view of Che's life events serves as a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about his life and legacy.

July 14,2025
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"I don't care if I fall as long as someone else picks up my gun and keeps on shooting."

This statement is not only powerful but also reflects a sense of sacrifice and determination. It implies that the individual is willing to take risks and even face failure, as long as their cause or mission continues.

The phrase "V interesting Book" seems to be an abbreviation or a quick note about a book that the author finds interesting. It could potentially be the subject of further exploration or discussion.

Perhaps the book contains stories or ideas that are related to the concept of sacrifice and perseverance. It might inspire readers to take on challenges and not be afraid of failure, knowing that their efforts can have a lasting impact.

In conclusion, the original statement and the mention of the interesting book both offer food for thought and could potentially lead to deeper conversations about courage, determination, and the pursuit of one's goals.
July 14,2025
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I have a reputation for struggling to get through history books, unless they are truly captivating. The truth is, I've been working on this particular one for several years now, and it has remained on my nightstand for quite some time.

I find this book to be almost entirely unbiased, as it is based on letters, documents, and interviews. This is quite an accomplishment, considering that the subject was such a controversial figure. After all, any author who takes on the task of writing about such a person must have a genuine interest in the subject and consider them remarkable in some way.

However, while this book may be well-researched and objective, it is not the most engaging history book I've ever read. There is just so much information to wade through, and at times it can be a bit of a slog. But despite its flaws, I continue to persevere, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating period in history.
July 14,2025
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Companero does not obscure Guevera's story with the hazy mists of cult and celebrity that accompany his name. Instead, it provides a well-balanced account of his life.

Regardless of one's political stance, Che Guevara may have been a flawed hero, yet he was undoubtedly one of the greatest men.

His path was determined by his response to the poverty and inequality he witnessed during his travels through South America. He dedicated himself to the fight for a fairer system. His commitment to the ideals of equality was so strong that, as Minister for Industry in the Cuban Government, he continued to work in the fields daily, side by side with the workers.

Everyone should read this book. It is a fascinating read about one of the 20th century's most enduring heroes. It offers insights into Guevara's life, his struggles, and his unwavering dedication to his beliefs.

Whether you admire him or not, this book provides a comprehensive and objective view of a man who had a significant impact on the world.
July 14,2025
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While the research presented in this work is extremely thorough and well-sourced,

unfortunately, the content proved to be a bit of a challenge to read.

It is indeed suitable for a project where in-depth knowledge is required,

but I would not necessarily recommend it for casual reading during one's spare time.

The text seems to be more geared towards a specific academic or professional audience.

However, I do plan on checking out Jon Anderson's version of Che's biography in the future.

I'm hoping that his take on the subject matter will offer a more accessible and engaging read.

Perhaps his writing style will make the story of Che more approachable and interesting for a wider range of readers.

Overall, while this current piece has its merits in terms of research, it may not be the most enjoyable or user-friendly option for general reading.

July 14,2025
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Ridiculously detailed biography of Che Guevara. Castaneda is the premier Che author, and no other biography should be taken as seriously as his. It is incredibly interesting so far.


Ernesto Guevara, also known as Che Guevara, is a highly influential figure. His life and adventures have captured the imagination of many. Castaneda's biography delves deep into every aspect of Che's life, from his early years to his revolutionary activities.


The book provides a comprehensive look at Che's thoughts, beliefs, and actions. It explores his journey through Latin America on a motorcycle, which had a profound impact on his views. Castaneda's detailed research and writing bring Che's story to life in a vivid and engaging way.


Readers will be captivated by the fascinating account of Che's life and the events that shaped him into the iconic figure he is today. This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in Che Guevara or the history of the Latin American revolution.

July 14,2025
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The author presents a long-winded and rather high brow apology that showcases his admiration for the subject. He portrays Che as a puritan martyr who was unfortunately let down by Fidel, Khrushchev, and ultimately, the Bolivian peasantry. This was the very first book I delved into regarding Che, and throughout my reading, I couldn't help but think that the author was sugar-coating and romanticizing Che. However, it could potentially be a good book to read if one desires to justify their Che t-shirt. It offers a unique perspective on Che's life and the events that surrounded him. The detailed descriptions and the author's passionate writing style make it an engaging read.


Despite my initial reservations about the romanticization, I found myself drawn into the story and gained a deeper understanding of Che's complex character. The book explores the various factors that contributed to his downfall and the impact he had on the world. It also raises questions about the nature of heroism and the role of ideology in revolutionary movements. Overall, while it may not be a completely objective account, it provides valuable insights into the life and legacy of Che Guevara.

July 14,2025
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Castañeda has done an amazing job in vividly describing the evolving ideas and development of a character like El Che. As an Argentinian myself, I deeply identified with the power and revolutionary concepts presented in this biography. The interviews and quotes from El Che himself are the greatest contributions to this well-written work. The author details many of his powerful decisions regarding the economic and military powers he controlled and led. Guevara is depicted as an iconic revolutionary figure as he endures the challenges of the Cuban Revolution.

Some comments on the author's excellent work: He does an outstanding job in describing Castro's decision to send Che to the Middle East and India, mainly focusing on how this was an unfamiliar territory for the great revolutionary. His iconic foreshadowing, if I may call it that, when he mentions his final journey to an unknown land (Bolivia) is remarkable. He illustrates how this trip would lead to his ultimate demise. Additionally, the amazing geographical descriptions and their integration into the plot are outstanding. I must admit that, having limited knowledge of geography, I felt a bit lost regarding the tremendous importance of how Che had influenced many countries worldwide.

Overall, Castañeda's biography of El Che is a captivating and informative read that offers valuable insights into the life and times of this revolutionary icon.
July 14,2025
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The text is rather concise and needs expansion to meet the 300-word requirement. Here is the expanded version:

The content is extremely dry, yet it is highly informative. It presents the story of an individual who possessed a profound sense of idealism. This person was incredibly passionate about starting revolutions, believing that they could bring about significant change. However, the problem was that they were only good at initiating these revolutionary efforts and never had the perseverance or the ability to see anything through to completion.



Time and time again, they would embark on grand projects with great enthusiasm, but as soon as the going got tough or faced with obstacles, they would lose interest or give up altogether. Their idealism remained unfulfilled, and their revolutionary dreams never materialized into tangible results.



Perhaps this person lacked the necessary discipline, focus, or practical skills to follow through on their ideas. Or maybe they were simply too impatient and expected immediate success. Whatever the reason, their story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of not only having big dreams but also having the determination and tenacity to make them come true.

July 14,2025
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I did enjoy this book to some extent.

However, perhaps I'm a little fatigued when it comes to reading about Che and Cuba. Maybe this particular book was just one too many for me at this time.

As a result, I found that I was getting the same stories, although in fairness, this book was far more heavily researched. It was really more of an overview compared to the narrative feel I've had from other books such as "Red Heat" and Che's own writings.

It's not that this book is bad. In fact, if this had been an introduction to the subject, it would have served as a very informative overview, allowing me to pick out books on the relative campaigns afterwards.

The trouble is that I found it so well researched that the constant footnotes did disrupt my reading flow.

My fairly average score is based on the truth that Che may be a subject I'm done with now.

Even though his life was formidable and relatively short, I now feel I have a good enough understanding of his life and times.

That being said, this book did provide valuable information regarding his views on international socialism and communism. His world tours and the insights from his diaries and other sources allowed for a more in-depth exploration of these topics.

In conclusion, it's a good book, but it's a bit dry.
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