Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba Audiobook By Tom Gjelten cover art

Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba

The Biography of a Cause

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In this widely hailed book, NPR correspondent Tom Gjelten fuses the story of the Bacardi family and their famous rum business with Cuba's tumultuous experience over the last 150 years to produce a deeply entertaining historical narrative. The company Facundo Bacardi launched in Cuba in 1862 brought worldwide fame to the island, and in the decades that followed his Bacardi descendants participated in every aspect of Cuban life. With his intimate account of their struggles and adventures across five generations, Gjelten brings to life the larger story of Cuba's fight for freedom, its tortured relationship with America, the rise of Fidel Castro, and the violent division of the Cuban nation. Latin America Americas Biographies & Memoirs Business Caribbean & West Indies Socialism Social justice Professionals & Academics Caribbean Capitalism Food & Wine Africa Business Biography

Critic reviews

"The Bacardi liquor story is every bit as engaging as Cuba's tumultuous political history, and both narrative strands are inexorably intertwined."
-The Washington Post

"A gripping saga that tells us just as much about human nature and the struggle between power and freedom as it does about Bacardi's transformation from a fledgling business into the world's top family-owned distiller."
-The Wall Street Journal

"It's hard to imagine that any [Cuban history] is as enjoyable . . . as smooth and refreshing as a well-made daiquiri."
-Barry Gewen, The New York Times

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This was a fabulous book. I was unaware of the rich family history of the Bacardi family and heir Cuban struggles. Never knew Bacardi was originally a Cuban rum; and Bacardi was the first “hard liquor” I drank. I purchased the book for friends who have visited Cuba. I Highly recommend the audible version and the “read.” I did both, as the photos in the book are very helpful and provide context for the story.

Loved the book!

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Perhaps one of the best books I’ve read/heard in years. Provides incredible detail on an incredible family and their company, that survived the destruction is their country. A story that has yet to play out.

An incredible story

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A really wonderful story that not only tells the truth of Cuba ( I am Cuban born) but gives the reader a deep look in to the Bacardi family and its company.

Brilliantly written , amazing performance .

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My best friends are Cubans. I never understood the passion they speak with when it comes to Cuba and her history. After this book it opened my eyes to love of this island and her rum playing a major roll in a ever changing country.

Powerful

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I'm really glad that I got this book not only did I learn more about the bacardi's I learned more about the timeline of Cuba revolutions

Great history for a non history type person.

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