Sebrina Whitener

"Fidel: A Critical Portrait"

Tad Szulc is a veteran New York Times reporter who first came to know Castro in 1959 while covering a story. Over the years, he has continued reporting on Castro. Szulc has interviewed Castro on many occasions and also interviewed his friends, past friends and his enemies. He was given unprecedented access by both the Cuban government, and by Castro himself, to conduct his research for the book. The book really gets inside the events rather than just reporting from the outside.

Szulc had greater access to Castro than any other reporter. This is one of the reasons why the book is so interesting. Because of Szulc's relationship with Castro he is able to present him not just as a 'communist' or an 'evil man' as some other books. He is able to present him as he really is. He goes beyond just the...
[ View Full Essay]