This new book provides a first-hand, grassroots look at life in Cuba,
including very vivid descriptions of its people and places. Real Life in
Castro's Cuba illuminates the human face of Cuba, which over the years
has largely been hidden in the shadow of Fidel Castro. Real Life in
Castro's Cuba is written by Catherine Moses, who lived and worked in
Cuba as a press secretary and spokesperson for the United States from
1995 to 1996. This compelling, compassionate portrait contains personal
observations about the Cubans' struggles, triumphs, hopes, and daily
compromises to survive. The Cuban population lives with a deteriorating
infrastructure, forcing many hardships on the people, including a
scarcity of food, fuel, clothing, medicines, and other basic needs. The
author's detailed cultural account of Cuba introduces the reader to
everyday Cubans from party officials to dissidents to everyone in
between. It shows how Cuba's socialist system works and gives reasons
why Fidel Castro is still in power. Real Life in Castro's Cuba also
describes the significant role of religion and spirituality in the life
of Cubans. Although Moses expresses regret over the state of U.S.-Cuban
relations, the purpose of the book is not to choose up sides. Instead,
the book is designed simply to introduce readers to real life in Cuba.
The book's unique approach allows an intimate picture of life in a faded
Marxist regime. As the author writes, "Cuba is a curious mixture of
Spanish Caribbean, socialist ideals gone awry, memories of what was, and
a desperate need to survive." This fascinating new book will appeal to
all readers who are interested in getting a closer look at what life is
like in Cuba today.
