Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)

An American History

By: Ada Ferrer, Ada Ferrer - introduction

Narrated by: Alma Cuervo

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE IN HISTORY
WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE IN HISTORY

“Full of…lively insights and lucid prose” (The Wall Street Journal) an epic, sweeping history of Cuba and its complex ties to the United States—from before the arrival of Columbus to the present day—written by one of the world’s leading historians of Cuba.

In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, where a momentous revolution had taken power three years earlier. For more than half a century, the stand-off continued—through the tenure of ten American presidents and the fifty-year rule of Fidel Castro. His death in 2016, and the retirement of his brother and successor Raúl Castro in 2021, have spurred questions about the country’s future. Meanwhile, politics in Washington—Barack Obama’s opening to the island, Donald Trump’s reversal of that policy, and the election of Joe Biden—have made the relationship between the two nations a subject of debate once more.

Now, award-winning historian Ada Ferrer delivers an “important” (The Guardian) and moving chronicle that demands a new reckoning with both the island’s past and its relationship with the United States. Spanning more than five centuries, Cuba: An American History provides us with a front-row seat as we witness the evolution of the modern nation, with its dramatic record of conquest and colonization, of slavery and freedom, of independence and revolutions made and unmade.

Along the way, Ferrer explores the sometimes surprising, often troubled intimacy between the two countries, documenting not only the influence of the United States on Cuba but also the many ways the island has been a recurring presence in US affairs. This is a story that will give Americans unexpected insights into the history of their own nation and, in so doing, help them imagine a new relationship with Cuba; “readers will close [this] fascinating book with a sense of hope” (The Economist).

Filled with rousing stories and characters, and drawing on more than thirty years of research in Cuba, Spain, and the United States—as well as the author’s own extensive travel to the island over the same period—this is a stunning and monumental account like no other.

Critic reviews

"[Alma Cuervo]'s a highly empathetic interpreter of Ferrer's narrative. The story is fascinating, enlightening, and often deeply moving as Cuervo recounts Cuba's sorry history of racial division, enslavement, and exploitation — most vividly, the crushing labor of its sugar plantations."

Excellent historical record that explains so much

I’ve visited Cuba twice in the early 2000’s. I wish I’d listened to this book before my visits! I highly recommend it to those who will visit the island.

Cuban history is so much more complex than we have been taught. US and Cuban history are inseparable. History must be viewed openly and accurately. Mistakes and horrors of the past will be repeated if they are not acknowledged and taught to our children. The propaganda so important to Che, Fidel, and communist revolution were no less dangerous than the lies and distortions of today’s US conservative movement. Documents like this book, remembering both the successes and failures of the past, are critical to our survival as a civilization.

As the author states, this book is as much a history of the US as it is of Cuba. Our histories are too interwoven to separate. Excellent document and presentation!

History through a Cuban lens

This is a book that covers a lot of history, from the arrival of Columbus and other explorers to the present day. Because of the scope, the book moves quickly, but has good insight into how closely entwined the U.S. has been with Cuba since before the U.S. revolutionary war. The book reveals many ways in which the U.S. has tried to use Cuba for its own purposes, and some will find that upsetting. But it is helpful to understand the trajectory of Cuban history. I’m very glad I read it, to better understand where Cuba is now and parts of U.S. history that I didn’t know.

Cuba is not alone.

Cuba as a nation in the world history shares the common struggles for normal human life against the harsh reality of brutal human nature of greed, selfishness, and violence. like the object description of Cuban history. But at the same time I wish the author could display the thread of hope of Cubans for their future in terms of the lives inthe generations to come.

Very enlightening

Narration is excellent. The author captures a very complex history layer in American intervention. Additionally, the author does not sugarcoat Cuba’s racist past and present history. Having visited Cuba, the book is spot on!

Excellent Masterclass on the History of Cuba

Well told and entertaining instant classic of the rich history of the Cuban people and their relationship to the Americas and the world.