Cuba is a rare & fascinating place. In a world where revolutionary socialism seems an almost quaint reminder of the Cold War, the island remains one of the few nations on the planet guided by a Communist party, still committed to fighting imperialism, opposed to the injustices of globalization & wedded to the dream of one day building a classless society, albeit in a distant future. But Cuba is more than a struggling socialist country: it is a nation with a complex & turbulent history & a rich & varied culture. This book is neither simply a timeline narrative of Cuban history nor a traditional history of Cuban culture. Instead, it invites the reader to enter Cuban history from the perspective of the island`s uniquely creative cultural forms. As it does so, it traces that restless island as it ebbs & flows with the power, beauty & longings of its culture & history. All those who have visited this captivating place, or been inspired by its history & culture, should read this fascinating account.