Product Description

This shocking memoir by the Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas is a book about sexual, political and artistic freedom. In Before Night Falls, Arenas recounts his journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in rural Cuba to his death in New York four decades later. He tells of his odyssey from young rebel fighting for the Revolution, through his suppression as a writer, his disillusionment with Castro, his imprisonment and torture, to his eventual flight from Cuba. Now a feature film starring Javier Bardem and Johnny Depp, Before Night Falls is a stunning testament to an individual?s urge to create against all odds.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101742 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-15
• Original language: Spanish
• Binding: Paperback
• 317 pages

About the Author
Reinaldo Arenas was born in Holguín, Cuba, in 1943. His first novel, Singing from the Well, was awarded First Mention in CubaÂ’s Cirilo Villaverde National Competition. It was to be his only book published in his native country. Both as a homosexual and a writer, he found himself persecuted by the Cuban government, and had to smuggle his work out of the country for publication in France. He left Cuba in 1980 and settled in New York, where he died of AIDS in 1990. He is the author of over 20 books, including novels, short stories and poems.

Customer Reviews

really great -- really harsh -- really funny
This book is a pleasure to read, though the subject matter is quite harsh. Arenas writes in such a manner as to draw the reader in. His themes are treated with wonderful humor that does not diminish their power.

Wonderfully disturbing and poignant
I learned more about Castro's regime than in any history book I've ever read. Its frightening to know that such terrible ostracities occur so close to our shores, as I don't doubt they are still happening. It is also inspiring to read about the human spirit and its fortitude. I have purchased Arena's other books to read. His style is a clash between raw earth and intellect. I recommend for serious reading.

To damn the demons of tragedy
Despite the horrors revealed in this mini-autobiography the true story must never be lost. Reinaldo Arenas never surrendered to the demons of self-pity and delusion, despite the hell he encountered on the road to Calvary. What a journey! What a man!