Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for CubaAvis de journaliste - Kirkus ReviewsA refreshing history of the folks who brought the world the Cuba libre, and who agitate for a Cuba libre even today. The Bacardi rum dynasty is now headquartered in Puerto Rico, but its origins are Cuban—and, writes NPR correspondent Gjelten (Sarajevo Daily: A City and Its Newspaper Under Siege, 1995), Cuban of a particular kind, nationalistic and proud. The 19th-century residents of Santiago were mostly Catalan businesspeople and artisans who, contrary to countless stereotypes, were renowned for their work ethic and thriftiness. The Bacardi empire grew from a small shop, spearheaded by a light, dry, tasty rum that "became the drink of choice…just as Cuba was becoming a nation." Thereafter it was tied up, in a complicated way, with Cuban self-identity, celebrated by Hemingway and by countless Cuban intellectuals, diplomats and even dissidents. Indeed, writes Gjelten, the far-flung Bacardi family was also well known for standing in opposition to the various tinhorn tyrants who followed independence, notably Fulgencio Batista. In a nicely ironic moment, Gjelten observes that Batista, a former army sergeant, came to power thanks to American fears of a Communist Cuba in the 1930s. The Bacardis were progressive and seemingly incorruptible, which put them at odds with that reactionary, thoroughly corrupt regime. They also ran afoul, however, of Fidel Castro, whom most of the Bacardis supported to some degree or another, but who moved to nationalize the rum industry. In the bargain, Fidel made of the Bacardis a powerful foe—though, like most Cubans in exile, its members "repeatedly misjudged conditions in Cuba and made erroneous predictions," particularly on the matter of when Castro would leave office and his revolution would collapse. A solid, journalistic treatment of commercial and political history, of a piece with Tom Miller's Trading with the Enemy (1992), Ann Louise Bardach's Cuba Confidential (2002) and other studies of the island. Commentaires des utilisateursReview: Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba: The Biography of a CauseAvis d'utilisateur - Anmiryam - GoodreadsA very readable and enlightening history that combines politics, business history and family saga. A great way to get an overview of the development of modern Cuba. Consulter l'avis complet Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for CubaAvis d'utilisateur - Stefanie - GoodreadsGjelten tells a very thoroughly researched story of the history of Cuba from colonial era to the 21st century by focusing on the creation and evolution of one of Cuba's most-recognized businesses. The ... Consulter l'avis complet Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba: The Biography of a CauseAvis d'utilisateur - Jarrod Reid - GoodreadsI would have to say a very high 4 1/2 for this one. If you are a fan of history, or business, or business history or love political intrigue, this is the book for you. But it's also a story of family ... Consulter l'avis complet Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for CubaAvis d'utilisateur - Margaret Sankey - GoodreadsThe Bacardi family rose from being one cane raising rum producer among many through quality, marketing and fortuitous timing (seeing a promoting a modern brand during American prohibition, mostly ... Consulter l'avis complet Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for CubaAvis d'utilisateur - Mark Spivak - GoodreadsThe history of the Bacardi family, the Bacardi rum brand, and the effort to liberate Cuba from a series of occupying countries. Consulter l'avis complet Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for CubaAvis d'utilisateur - Steve Gilbert - GoodreadsGreat book. Fascinating to learn how Bacardi began in Cuba and transformed into a multinational corporation. It is interesting to read how the Bacardi family continues to be bitter towards Castro's Cuba and its numerous schemes to overthrow the regime and its attempts to sell Cuban rum abroad. Consulter l'avis complet Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for CubaAvis d'utilisateur - Chris - GoodreadsExtensive, thorough, and objective account of Cuba, rum, and the Bacardi Family. I'm married to a Cubana and I didn't know Bacardi was Cuban-that's embarassing. I thought they were Puerto Rican. That ... Consulter l'avis complet Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for CubaAvis d'utilisateur - Joyce - GoodreadsTwo good reasons to read this book, for Cuban history and for Bacardi family and company history. The two histories are intertwined, each revealing a lot about the other. It is easy reading ... Consulter l'avis complet Review: Bacardi and the Long Fight for CubaAvis d'utilisateur - Katie - GoodreadsWonderful! It was great to go through Cuban history following the story of this one family. I thought it was well done and comprehensive. Consulter l'avis complet | Avis des utilisateurs| 5 étoiles | | | 4 étoiles | | | 3 étoiles | | | 2 étoiles | | | 1 étoile | |
Tous les commentaires - 44 2 étoiles - 0 1 étoile - 0 Tous les commentaires - 44 Tous les commentaires - 44 |
