From Library Journal Fidel Castro's 40-year stranglehold on the citizens of Cuba has resulted in financial disaster, decaying cities, and loss of loyalty even among supporters of the Revolution. This publication presents a firsthand account of the effects of Cuba's totalitarian government and dire economy upon its remarkably resilient population. Harvey, a National Geographic photographer for 25 years, offers 150 vividly colorful images of Havana and the countryside--including many photographs of 1950s automobiles and crumbling homes, which are common sights. These images are matched with staff writer Newhouse's historical overview, which discusses the country's rich architectural heritage, culture, and social conditions. Together these add up to a sympathetic understanding of what the island is like today. Clearly, Harvey and Newhouse were captivated by the exuberance of the Cuban people. Recommended for a wide range of readers at most public libraries.-Joan Levin, MLS, Chicago Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. Product Description Shows and describes life in modern Cuba, and provides an overview of Cuban history and the impact of lost Soviet aid From Booklist Pearl of the Antilles, crown jewel of the Spanish empire, the island of Cuba lies so enticingly close, off the coast of Florida--but, with some few exceptions, we Americans can't get there. That seems ironic, considering how close the ties between the U.S. and Cuba have been since the early days of Cuban independence and before the U.S. embargo against the Castro regime. The best most of us can do to grasp an essence of the island's taste and feel is peruse the pages of an album of truthful photographs such as this one. It is almost a cliche, and often sounds too patronizing to begin with, to make reference to Cubans' "spiritedness." But in Harvey's soul-baring photographs, backed up by Newhouse's understanding text, it becomes obvious that high spirit is indeed a national trait. Cuban spirit is tinged with poignancy, of course, given the various freedoms and materials Cubans lack; but you can't miss the strong will etched on every face, young or old, caught by the camera here. Brad Hooper

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