BREAKING THE CHAINS?
(London: Victor Gollancz, 1987), hdbk., pp.310, with illustrations
(Boston: faber & faber, 1987), hdbk., pp.300
(London: Unwin, 1988), pbk., pp.298

Translated into Spanish.

Copies for £8 (inc. p.&p.) available from the author.

“A critical, sympathetic and extremely informative study … there could be no better survey of contemporary Cuba, or more convincing vindications of the real achievements of its revolution.”
New Society

“Anyone with any interest in current affairs today, especially in the cauldron of Latin America and the Third World in general, would benefit from reading this book.”
Irish Press

“[Marshall] asks the kind of searching questions outsiders want to know answers to.”
Evening Herald

“lively and uplifting”
Rough Guide to Cuba

Cuba has experienced the most radical and lasting revolution in the Western hemisphere, and continues to play a major role in the world arena. But recent revolutionary events are only brief interlude in nearly five centuries of recorded history. Cuba moreover is the most racially mixed society in the region and its culture, a dynamic blend of African and Spanish, is both distinctive and lively. Its eleven million inhabitants live in the largest island in the Caribbean.

The Cuban Revolution in 1959 ended nearly five hundred years of colonial domination. Since then Cubans have brought about sweeping social and economic changes. They have held the United States at bay and actively supported revolutionary movements throughout the world. But is it a total success story? Has the revolution really destroyed the old colonial structure? Are the Cubans satisfied with their lot? What will happen after Castro? Have the chains really been broken?

To answer these questions and more, Peter Marshall takes a new and original look at this intriguing country in the light of its history, culture, politics, and people. Drawing on extensive research and discussions with Cubans from all backgrounds, Marshall critically examines the origins and development of the Cuban Revolution, from the bold attempt to change human nature and to reshape the country’s agriculture and industry, to its influential and controversial role in international affairs. In his lively and thoughtful narrative, Marshall also provides a penetrating analysis of Cuban culture, sexual politics and religion as well as a vivid portrayal of everyday life. In this major reassessment of modern Cuba, the very rhythms of the country can be felt and enjoyed.