Author to speak about Cuban revolution

Simon Reid-Henry’s first book, FIDEL AND CHE: A REVOLUTIONARY FRIENDSHIP, has recently been published and marks 50 years since the Cuban Revolution.

It tells the story of peasant’s son, scholar, and rebel Fidel Castro, and his fateful meeting with the itinerant doctor Ernesto (Che) Guevara.

Not yet 30, and both in exile, they met in Mexico City in 1955. By 1967 Che Guevara was dead. But over the course of their 12-year friendship they became two of the twentieth century’s most compelling figures.

The book follows Fidel and Che on their dramatic journey from Mexico’s political underground, to war in the Cuban mountains, and ultimately into the heart of the Cold War. Drawing on extensive research, including recently declassified material, Simon Reid-Henry interviews key personalities across three continents.

He examines Fidel and Che’s unique relationship as what began as a political association became the most profound friendship of their lives.

FIDEL AND CHE is set against the tide of revolution. It is the story of two men who shared a common dream; who became friends, comrades and brothers-in-arms and who, finally, would make an epic choice between their friendship and their beliefs.

Dr George Kassimeris, who has organised the lecture, which is sponsored by the University's History and Governance Research Institute and open to all, said: “We are delighted to welcome Simon Reid-Henry for what should be a very interesting event.”

Simon Reid-Henry is a writer and prize-winning scholar of the Cuban revolution. He lives in London where he lectures at Queen Mary, University of London.

The lecture will take place on Monday March 9, in MA202, City Campus, from 1pm-2pm.

Further information

For more information please contact Emma Kilvert in the Press Office on 01902 322003.