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Cubanos in Wisconsin Kindle Edition

by Silvio Canto (Author), Gabriel Canto (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.7 17 ratings

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From the quiet Cuban town of Ciego to the bustling city of Havana, no Cubans were unaffected by Fidel Castro’s rise to power in the late 1950’s. Fidel’s Revolución, which began with rallies, parades, and truckloads of hope, smothered the island of Cuba with oppressive public policies that gutted the small nation’s system of enterprise and muzzled the vibrant Cuban culture of the 1950’s. Symbols of capitalism were torn down and private schools were replaced with “Revolutionary Schools” established to spread Castro’s message. The country’s religious leaders were excommunicated and proud Cuban traditions like the Cuban Winter Baseball League became Fidel’s props, instruments for social and economic control. As more and more dissenters were imprisoned or killed fighting shadow wars to overthrow the regime, it was clear that human rights had become a fairy tale that existed across the sea in America. Following the failed, U.S. led invasion at the Bay of Pigs, Fidel’s death grip on the island grew unbearable. Like scores of other Cubans, Silvio Canto’s family fled their home country for the opportunity to lead a life of peace and freedom. The journey to freedom would not be easy. Before they left the island, the family faced boisterous Cuban officials and food shortages. Silvio watched in horror as his father’s attempt to maintain autonomy repeatedly ended in vain and his mother’s frustration with the new Cuba reached a tipping point. Leaving the island was only the first step towards their eventual resettling in a far away land called Wisconsin. Along the way the family faced an earthquake in Mexico City, poverty and dismay in Jamaica, and culture shock in America. They lost their way of life, their country, and their dreams of a free Cuba, but, with the support of family and friends, the family started a new life and formed a new identity. They became Cubanos in Wisconsin.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00BF334Q8
Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 16, 2013)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 16, 2013
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 451 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 138 pages

Customer Reviews:
4.7 17 ratings

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Cheryl L. Gottfried

An EXCELLENT read told from the perspective of a young boy who lived it!

Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2013

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Mr. Canto has written a touching, candid, and informative book told as he was growing up in Cuba during Castro's takeover. As a young boy he witnessed the promises not kept, the hardships of food rationing, and the government takeover of education. Through the kindnesses of his extended family and friends he and his family were able to make their way to Wisconsin and a free America. It was an eye-opener for me, as I was only in my early teens growing up in Ohio while Mr. Canto and his parents, brother, and sister were living on a prayer, so to speak. I recommend this to adults and children, alike. While in the early 1960's I knew about the Bay of Pigs and the big picture of what was happening in Cuba...I had never read about the day-to-day trials of the people living through this time in Cuban history.

3 people found this helpful

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Joyzie

Changes not always good

Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2013

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An unpretentious tale of growing up in 1950s/60s Cuba and the author's eventual Americazation and how greatly the family values and beliefs developed his character. I chose this book after hearing an interview with the author on local talk radio... and I was not disappointed... it's well told and well written.

I enjoyed this look "again" at this era... this time learning much more than the the first time experienced through my somewhat sheltered American life. Silvio Canto depicts his good life before the Castro takeover... and the fear his family, neighbors and friends experienced after the Communist control.

Best quotes from book: "No government should ever mock its own citizens. No government should ever view the children of their citizens as tools to their ends" And... "But Dad told me that day that this could never happen in America". I really want to believe that last line, but I'm seeing other signs that say America is changing.

2 people found this helpful

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Rima

Memoir of a young boy escaping to freedom

Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2013

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Told from the point of view of an innocent child, whose parents want him to have a future filled with freedom and hope, this book provides insight on a very personal level into the trauma that the "Triumph of the Revolution" in Cuba caused this family. I felt I was right there with the author on his journey, a long one, that took him to the frigid winters in Wisconsin, where he could thrive in a new land rather than merely survive. It's a testament to the human spirit and the love that parents have for their children. I also liked the author's feeling of finding comfort in a new land by dedicating himself to learning about American baseball.

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Diane in Woodland, WA

Things to think about.

Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2014

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An interesting perspective on what it was like at the time of the revolution in Cuba. We don't always think about how it affected ordinary people. Written in a pleasant, easy-to-read way. Helps us appreciate what we have.

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2013

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Very interesting book that makes for engaging reading. For those who want to know how the communist revolution of 1959 in Cuba affected Cuban society and families in general, this is a must book to read. The confrontation between the author's mother and a government official regarding whether her son should go do volunteer work for the revolution is priceless. It begs the question, who is in charge of a child, a parent of the government? I highly recommend Cubanos in Wisconsin, fascinating tale of a family adapting to the fridid climate of Wisconsin but feeling the warmth of the American people.

7 people found this helpful

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Laura

What some people will do for a better life.

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2015

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This is a great story. Real people making tough changes and seeing the world from a different angle then most Americans see.

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Avid reader

An Enlightenment For Me

Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2013

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Although the writing style of the author is rather simple, the book gave me a look into Cuba of the 1960's. I was in college at the time and was a "low information" person...studies, frat parties, sorority pledging instead of world events and news.It gives one a new appreciation for the struggles of Cubans. It also reminds us that the USA is where everyone wants to be...we're a pretty great country inspite of much criticism.

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