In his remarkable book, Castro’s Cuba, Lee Lockwood takes us on a journey through a pivotal period in Cuban history—from the fall of Batista to the rise of Fidel Castro. Lockwood, a young photojournalist, arrived in Cuba just as Castro was taking power, granting him a unique vantage point to witness the changes unfolding.

What sets Lockwood's narrative apart is his personal access to Fidel Castro and his inner circle. Unlike many journalists of his time, Lockwood was not restricted by the usual limitations, allowing him to explore the island freely and capture the essence of Cuban life in the 1960s.

Lockwood's extensive interviews with Castro, culminating in a marathon session that lasted seven days, provide an in-depth look at the complexities of Castro's vision for Cuba. These conversations touched on various topics, including race relations in America and the Cuban Missile Crisis, offering a nuanced portrait of a leader often viewed through a polarized lens.

The book is richly illustrated with hundreds of photographs, many of which have never been published before. These images depict everything from military encampments in the Sierra Maestra mountains to the vibrant life on the streets of Havana, capturing the spirit of a nation in flux.

With a foreword and afterword by Latin America expert Saul Landau, Castro’s Cuba not only showcases Lockwood's exceptional talent but also provides critical context to understand the era. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricate tapestry of Cuban history and the impact of Castro's regime.

Lee Lockwood. Castro’s Cuba. An American Journalist’s Inside Look at Cuba, 1959–1969

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