Among Friends: Travels in Cuba by Heather MurrayMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was written by Heather Murray as her account of the various visits to Cuba that she made over several years. It is an interesting read, amusing in parts but without any sense of cynical humour. The author’s affection towards the country and its people is very obvious after just a few chapters. Although I had no personal curiosity about Cuba before reading this book it is written so well, with such enlightening enthusiasm for the country’s culture, traditions and even political complications, that I was pleasantly intrigued throughout her account. The details about the economy, the transport and the day-to-day struggles of the population, who seem to remain resolute to “succeed”, come what may, often had me gasping in astonishment.
It will remain as one of the very few travel books I have ever enjoyed. It is capable of dismissing some of the myths one may have about Cuba and the living conditions found there while at the same time introducing a few amazing stories that linger in the memory. For example, the fairly common practice of young adult Cubans trying to have a relationship with a tourist that may result in marriage. Thus enabling them to leave their own country to take up a better standard of living in the tourist’s country when a ‘happily married couple’. Of course it is not as simple as that sounds but the tales that Heather Murray relates about it are fascinating. For me a highly recommended book.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
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