Why read Visions of Power in Cuba?

Book cover of Visions of Power in Cuba: Revolution, Redemption, and Resistance, 1959-1971

Book description

In the tumultuous first decade of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro and other leaders saturated the media with altruistic images of themselves in a campaign to win the hearts of Cuba's six million citizens. In Visions of Power in Cuba, Lillian Guerra argues that these visual representations explained rapidly occurring…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Visions of Power in Cuba as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Rachel Hynson

Author

This transformative book explores the early years of the Cuban Revolution from the ground up, arguing that revolutionary leadership constructed hegemony gradually—gaining popular support by creating a “grand narrative” that envisioned the Revolution as an opportunity for spiritual and political redemption. Guerra shows that leaders also censured alternative narratives and voices that challenged their monopoly over power. And because government organizations deputized citizens to defend the state, they inadvertently created “unintended dissidents,” as well as vast numbers of supporters. These arguments and more make this exceptional book a controversial one as well.

From Rachel's list on The best books that defy the tired narrative of early revolutionary Cuba.