Product Description

The writings of one of the greatest icons of the twentieth century -- revolutionary leader Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. These diaries follow on from the events recorded in 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and recount the experiences that would make Che a figure known around the world. The people of Cuba struggled against immense odds to emerge victorious from years of brutal dictatorship and poverty in 1959. This is Che Guevara's classic eyewitness account of the transformation of a country and also the transformation of Che himself -- from a troop doctor to a revolutionary leader, who would become one of the greatest icons of the twentieth century. Following the phenomenally successful film adaptation of 'The Motorcycle Diaries', two of Che Guevara's later and most insightful diaries are being brought to the big screen in 2009. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Benicio del Toro, 'Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War' and 'The Bolivian Diary' will be released as 'Che Part 1' and 'Che Part 2'. Del Toro won the best actor award for his part in the films at Cannes in 2008.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17176 in Books
• Published on: 2009-01-05
• Original language: Spanish
• Binding: Paperback
• 314 pages

Review
'Powerful and poetic!For anyone interested in the myth of Che Guevara, and in the idea that a small group of determined men can take over a country, this book is essential reading.' Colm Toibin, Observer 'Che's life is an inspiration for every human being who loves freedom. We will always honour his memory.' Nelson Mandela Praise for the films, 'Che Part 1' and 'Che Part 2'. 'Brilliant.' The Times 'A grand Hollywood war movie. Del Toro gives a stunning performance as Che Guevara. ****' Empire 'Soderbergh's best film. A masterpiece. ****' Total Film 'Che is brilliant!incandescent -- a piece of full-on, you-are-there realism![A] perfect dream movie, which is also politically vibrant and searing.' Jeffrey Wells, Hollywood Elsewhere 'Che is a piece of entertainment that delivers excitement, pathos and pure film-making passion!The end result is masterful -- expressive, innovative, striking, exciting.' www.cinematical.com Praise for The Motorcycle Diaries: 'What distinguishes these diaries is that they reveal a human side to El Che which historians have successfully managed to suppress!one senses El Che's belief that determination and conviction can be enough to change one's self and others!a joy to read from start to finish.' Financial Times 'Political incorrectness galore!this book should do much to humanise the image of a man who found his apotheosis as a late Sixties cultural icon. It is also, incidentally, a remarkably good travel book about South America.' Scotsman 'It's true; Marxists just wanna have fun.' Guardian

About the Author
Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was born in Argentina in 1928. After fighting alongside Fidel Castro in the three-year guerilla war in Cuba, he became Minister for Industry following the victory of the Cuban Revolution. In 1966 he established a guerilla base in Bolivia. He was captured and killed in 1967.

Customer Reviews

Compelling and instructive
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Great Book -
I am currently reading che's work in the order he wrote it
I recently got to this book about the war
and as a keen fan of che and i have read allot of other books on che and fidel, I thought i wasnt going to learn much new ( Mr knowitall ) but was shocked by the detail che has kept in this diary

you know nothing of this war till you have read this book
i couldnt put it down