As Castro takes control of Cuba, the repercussions are felt all over the country. This memoir of Andrew Rodriguez's experiences of that tumultuous time are fascinating, a real inside look at what life was like then. Written sensitively and in a down to earth manner, this is an honest book with very human emotions reflected. Recommended.

Just when he was coming of age the author was forced to make a series of decisions - leaps of faith - as Cuba was falling further and further under the control of Fidel Castro. This personal story intertwines the emotions of a young boy wooing and proposing to his future wife with life in Cuba pre- and post- revolution. His thought process follows that of many of his fellow citizens as they moved from hope to despair. His adaptation to life in the US is a testimony not only to the determination of the author and many of his peers, but also the warm and help of Americans who volunteered to help these refugees and the God who guided them. Thus, this book educates in several ways - it presents many aspects of Cuban life, discusses political tyranny, and challenges the American to remember that greatness is both in our freedom to earn and our freedom to share.

A Mémoir

“Adios Havana” is a true account intended to remind us of the fragility of freedom. Cuba was an island paradise and Havana, its capital, a crown jewel internationally renowned till the Revolution. The aftermath brought powerful domestic and international repercussions. This mémoir paints the author’s struggle, along with his wife, to escape the communists at any cost.

The author opens his book by vividly describing life in Cuba before Castro. He doesn’t sugar coat his words when the revolution came and subsequently life in the country accelerate from zero to tyranny practically overnight. He touches some of the barbaric practices Castro’s goons did but this was a small part in the book what he mainly covered is his quest to escape to Florida and how he managed to do so. As a “Cuban exile” the Rodriguez did not think like most refugees that the new government would not last long and wanted to make the USA their permanent home and leave a legacy for the future generations. With a bit of help from sponsors and charitable organizations they started their new life and through the years became highly regarded US citizens.

Being a memoir one can only read what the author wishes to say after all it is his own souvenirs. It has some very touching moments.

“Adios Havana”, is also a love story of his unswerving love and devotion to his wife. He writes about how he met her, his courtship, his marriage, their escape and their arrival penniless and with little knowledge of English to a country that greeted them with open arms…

This is a real heart-warming story I enjoyed very much.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This is the Way I see it.