Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize) Audiobook By Ada Ferrer cover art

Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)

An American History

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Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)

By: Ada Ferrer
Narrated by: Alma Cuervo, Ada Ferrer - prologue
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WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE IN HISTORY

WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE IN HISTORY

“Full of…lively insights and lucid prose” (The Wall Street Journal) an epic, sweeping history of Cuba and its complex ties to the United States—from before the arrival of Columbus to the present day—written by one of the world’s leading historians of Cuba.

In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, where a momentous revolution had taken power three years earlier. For more than half a century, the stand-off continued—through the tenure of ten American presidents and the fifty-year rule of Fidel Castro. His death in 2016, and the retirement of his brother and successor Raúl Castro in 2021, have spurred questions about the country’s future. Meanwhile, politics in Washington—Barack Obama’s opening to the island, Donald Trump’s reversal of that policy, and the election of Joe Biden—have made the relationship between the two nations a subject of debate once more.

Now, award-winning historian Ada Ferrer delivers an “important” (The Guardian) and moving chronicle that demands a new reckoning with both the island’s past and its relationship with the United States. Spanning more than five centuries, Cuba: An American History provides us with a front-row seat as we witness the evolution of the modern nation, with its dramatic record of conquest and colonization, of slavery and freedom, of independence and revolutions made and unmade.

Along the way, Ferrer explores the sometimes surprising, often troubled intimacy between the two countries, documenting not only the influence of the United States on Cuba but also the many ways the island has been a recurring presence in US affairs. This is a story that will give Americans unexpected insights into the history of their own nation and, in so doing, help them imagine a new relationship with Cuba; “readers will close [this] fascinating book with a sense of hope” (The Economist).

Filled with rousing stories and characters, and drawing on more than thirty years of research in Cuba, Spain, and the United States—as well as the author’s own extensive travel to the island over the same period—this is a stunning and monumental account like no other.

©2021 Ada Ferrer. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.
Caribbean & West Indies Latin America United States Cuba American History Caribbean Self-Determination War of 1812 Inspiring Imperialism
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Critic reviews

"[Alma Cuervo]'s a highly empathetic interpreter of Ferrer's narrative. The story is fascinating, enlightening, and often deeply moving as Cuervo recounts Cuba's sorry history of racial division, enslavement, and exploitation - most vividly, the crushing labor of its sugar plantations." (AudioFile Magazine)

Featured Article: The 11 Best Latin American History Audiobooks to Help You Explore Latino History


While the vast and beautiful history of Latin America is worth exploring for people of all backgrounds, it is especially powerful for Latinos. Learning the history of their ancestors is an invaluable addition to self-identity and understanding. To inspire your own exploration and journey of discovery, we chose eleven of the most comprehensive and impactful audiobooks on Latin American history.

Editorial Review

Take a deep dive into Cuban history. This Pulitzer Prize-winning audiobook will take you on a journey from the terrible to the beautiful to understand this great country.
Cuba: An American History is an insightful and eye-opening look at Cuban History and its relationship and entanglement with early America. The history of so much of Latin America is tied up in American politics and government, with Cuba being the most widely broadcast of them all. Portrayed as violent, unstable, and full of extremists and revolutionary activists, the United States was trained to distrust Cuba. But the real story is much more complicated, and the blame lies in many places.
In this deep dive into Cuban history, author Ada Ferrer uncovers all sides of the story to bring the truth of history to light. Engaging, intriguing, and insightful, it is a vastly informative book full of political drama and dark histories. This audiobook will not only expand your understanding of both Cuban and American history, but also shed light on how North American and Central American politics are so tightly intertwined.
This audiobook version is narrated by Alma Cuervo, who brings a sensitive but empowered voice to this telling of Cuban history. From describing the many years of slavery to depicting the crushing loss of sugar plantations and natural habitats, every aspect of Cuban history is brought to life. The result is an all-encompassing listen that will change your perspective on this beautiful country, and maybe even how you view America, too. —Audible Latino Editor

What listeners say about Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)

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Excellent historical record that explains so much

I’ve visited Cuba twice in the early 2000’s. I wish I’d listened to this book before my visits! I highly recommend it to those who will visit the island.

Cuban history is so much more complex than we have been taught. US and Cuban history are inseparable. History must be viewed openly and accurately. Mistakes and horrors of the past will be repeated if they are not acknowledged and taught to our children. The propaganda so important to Che, Fidel, and communist revolution were no less dangerous than the lies and distortions of today’s US conservative movement. Documents like this book, remembering both the successes and failures of the past, are critical to our survival as a civilization.

As the author states, this book is as much a history of the US as it is of Cuba. Our histories are too interwoven to separate. Excellent document and presentation!

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Wow!

What a gorgeously written book. An ode to Cuba, I learned so much, not only about Cuba, but the US. The performer is excellent and reads with much empathy and understanding. This may be one of the 5 best books Ive ever read - and I’ve read thousands. I can’t say enough about it. I wish it could have gone on forever.

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Everything we didn't learn in school!

What an important perspective on the crucial role Cuba has played in world history!

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Excellent history of Cuba from from early colonial times to present!

Narrator also does outstanding job bringing this wonderful ,well written history of a
multifaceted culture and its people to life!

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Very enlightening

Narration is excellent. The author captures a very complex history layer in American intervention. Additionally, the author does not sugarcoat Cuba’s racist past and present history. Having visited Cuba, the book is spot on!

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Excellent

So many things I had no idea of as a 1st gen Cuban American I was shocked I had a slim knowledge of my heritage. Great all around. 100% recommend

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History through a Cuban lens

This is a book that covers a lot of history, from the arrival of Columbus and other explorers to the present day. Because of the scope, the book moves quickly, but has good insight into how closely entwined the U.S. has been with Cuba since before the U.S. revolutionary war. The book reveals many ways in which the U.S. has tried to use Cuba for its own purposes, and some will find that upsetting. But it is helpful to understand the trajectory of Cuban history. I’m very glad I read it, to better understand where Cuba is now and parts of U.S. history that I didn’t know.

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Excellent Masterclass on the History of Cuba

Well told and entertaining instant classic of the rich history of the Cuban people and their relationship to the Americas and the world.

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one of the best novels about America's history

one of the best novels about America's history. very well researched and well represented. would highly recommend

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Cuba is not alone.

Cuba as a nation in the world history shares the common struggles for normal human life against the harsh reality of brutal human nature of greed, selfishness, and violence. like the object description of Cuban history. But at the same time I wish the author could display the thread of hope of Cubans for their future in terms of the lives inthe generations to come.

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