Positives This book is highly praised for its comprehensive and non-biased portrayal of healthcare in 20th century Cuba, making it an invaluable resource for academic research, particularly on the Castro regime. The author, an anthropologist, masterfully blends field journalism with rigorous research, offering a unique and accurate perspective. Readers are particularly drawn to the engaging narrative chapters, which recount the author's firsthand experiences in Santiago, highlighting the stark contrast between tourist and local realities, the pervasive fear of the regime, the black market's prominence, and a personal encounter with the local healthcare system. Beyond the narrative, the book provides a concise and thorough account of pre-revolutionary healthcare across various regimes, meticulously detailing how things both changed and remained consistent under Castro. It effectively uses data to expose how propaganda infiltrated academia, successfully de-romanticizing prevailing perceptions of the Castro regime and questioning the persistence of such views.
Negatives While the book is lauded for its thoroughness in de-romanticizing academic perceptions of the Castro regime, the review notes that it does not offer definitive answers as to why these romanticized views continue to persist. Beyond this observation of a complex question remaining open, the review does not highlight any significant drawbacks or criticisms regarding the book's content, structure, or presentation.
Conclusion In summary, this book is presented as an essential read for anyone seeking a deeply researched and objective understanding of healthcare in Cuba and its historical context. It is particularly recommended for students and researchers focusing on the Castro regime, Cuban history, or public health systems under authoritarian governments. Readers interested in anthropological field research, the impact of propaganda on academic discourse, and a de-romanticized, data-driven look at Cuba's past will find this book both fascinating and enlightening.
