"Ignore the confusing subtitle-no, Havana did not write about itself-and focus instead on the strengths of this narrative history from Havana-born author Estrada: depth of research, a lack of political rhetoric ('One of the inherent difficulties of writing about Havana is finding a middle ground between political extremes'), and a deep affection for his hometown. Estrada's pride is evident, as in his description of Havana's 1920s gambling heyday ('when Las Vegas was a filling station in the desert ... Havana was welcoming conventioneers'), and he manages to cover a huge number of Havana's seemingly innumerable facets: from cigars to Hemingway, slavery to Castro, the rhumba to baseball. Estrada is at his best chronicling Castro's revolution, a story which for many Americans is a virtual unknown; Estrada's retelling is brief, fair-minded and very well-written. Estrada pays particular attention to the Che Guevara 'hardly guessed at by those wearing Che tank tops,' revealing Guevara's authoritarian streak, his talent for guerilla warfare and his direct role in the executions of the day. There are faults: the book is overstuffed with information, especially in the chapter on Hemingway, and Estrada's personable, reminiscing style takes a back seat to a more conventional historian's voice after the first chapter. Quibbles aside, this book makes a fine primer on the United States' closest 'enemy,' told with the love of a native son." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Havana: Autobiography of a City captures the imagination from the first page to the last. Brimming with curiosities, anecdotes, obscure facts and seductive personalities, the narrative reads as a blend of history, novel, and lyric essay. Estrada illuminates this legendary city as never before."

--Oscar Hijuelos, author of the Pulitzer Prize winner The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love"This is narrative history at its best: Alfredo José Estrada makes Havana come alive as a dynamic entity with its own personality, tracing its development from colonial days to the present. It is also the best compact history of Cuba ever written in English. Beautifully worded, masterfully paced, the narrative can sweep you away and take you to Havana, at least in spirit. It is vivid enough to make any exile weep. When Havana finally sheds its monstrous dictatorship, this will be the book to take along and savor, page by page, street by street."--Carlos Eire, author of the National Book Award winner Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy"A fascinating historical overview of a fascinating city.  Insightful, interesting.  A penetrating look at the rise and fall of one of the most beautiful Latin American capitals."-Jaime Suchlicki, Professor and Director, Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies, University of Miami"A stunning portrait of the Western Hemisphere's most dazzling city. A must read for anyone interested in Cuba's past, present, and future."--Rosa Lowinger, author of Tropicana Nights: The Life and Times of the Legendary Cuban Nightclub"Alfredo José Estrada's Havana  is chockablock with history from Columbus to Castro and has a vast cultural reach--including a very smart reading of Cuba's poet-revolutionary, José Martí. There are a plethora of irresistibly dishy anecdotes that weave back and forth over time--smoothly passing on the heartbreaking story of the  troubled island of Cuba." --Ann Louise Bardach, journalist and author of Cuba Confidential: Love and Vengeance in Miami and Havana"More than an autobiography of a city, this book is a delicious reflection on nostalgia, memory, and Havana--like a substancia, like powder from the butterfly that stays on our fingers forever."--Mayra Montero, author of Dancing to Almendra and Captain of the Sleepers"One of the world's most romantic and mischievous great cities comes alive in these pages. Estrada writes with passion and nuance."--Brian Latell, author of After Fidel "Havana: Autobiography of a City is a riveting history of a city everyone thinks they know, but few truly understand.  In the face of major changes ahead for Cuba, Estrada paints a thorough and amazing story of a people who have persevered and survived."--Soledad O'Brien, Anchor, CNN American Morning

“Havana: Autobiography of a City is the book I wish I had with me when first visiting this enchanting and heartbreaking city. Alfredo José Estrada disproves the old adage that Havana is a city that never changes. In fact, Havana has done nothing but transform and evolve, from the Spanish Armada to the Special Period.  This book is the best guide yet to the hidden history of one of the world's most intriguing places.”

--Wayne Curtis, author of And a Bottle of Rum