This book was very interesting. I find that I understand historical events better in the context of memoir and narrative, and Eire's childhood view of the Cuban Revolution offered amazing insight into the complexities of the time. I liked that he did not glamorize or white wash any of the events. He showed the imbalance and the poverty in Cuba before the Revolution, and he showed those same things after the Revolution. He showed how power corrupts, and through the eyes of a child it seems even more tragic. Also, the writing was beautiful.... He ties so many threads together across so many different chapters. This book was amazing and I think it is an important read, particularly for people who, like myself, merely hold the American public school textbook view of Cuba and its Revolution.