Che Guevara: A Life

Library Journal

Forty years after his death, Ernesto "Che" Guevara remains larger in death than he ever was in life. Born in Argentina and educated as a physician, he is still the iconic revolutionary for succeeding generations. Caistor, a British radio journalist and expert on Latin America, follows Che from his relatively privileged childhood and youth to his harsh introduction to the social inequalities he dedicated himself to righting. Ever balanced, the author provides a clear view of Che, his passion for outcasts, and his flaws in judgment. Che is so closely associated with Castro and the Cuban Revolution that he is seldom remembered for his role in revolutionary movements in the Congo and Bolivia, both of which, as Caistor so aptly concludes, are examples of Che's failures, as he attempted to invoke the Cuban model elsewhere. Educated, passionate, perceptive, and dedicated, Che Guevara was the symbol for an age that rarely understood him or appreciated his commitment to social causes yet was quick to invoke the mantra "Che lives." VERDICT A readable, interesting, and highly recommended biography for all readers.—Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Libs., AL