''Saney provides a most impressive sweep over the dynamics of survival and change in the Cuban revolution over the last decade. As a highly informative and insightful look into the Cuban Revolution today there is no book like it. It is a must read not only for Cubanologists but anyone interested in understanding not only how the Revolution has managed to survive decades of US imperialism and the most severe crisis in its history but the fact that it continues to work--and serve as an example, if not model, of a systematic alternative to world capitalism. Well researched and very well written.'' - Dr. Henry Veltmeyer - Saint Mary''s University, Halifax, Canada and co-author, "Globalization Unmasked: Imperialsim In The 21st Century".''Saney''s book is a comprehensive and balanced primer on Cuba and the progress its Revolution has brought the Cuban people. It is highly readable for anyone interested in understanding that nation''s ongoing struggle for social justice.
In particular, his discussion of inequality and race is the best available in the literature.'' - Dr. Cliff Durand - Morgan State University (Chicago) and coordinator of the Annual Conference of North American and Cuban Philosophers and Social Scientists.''Almost forty-five years have passed since the Cuban Revolution. Has it been successful? Has it failed? Have racism and sexism been eradicated? Is there criminal justice? These are only some of the issues that Saney tackles in this easy-to-read yet profound book in which he offers a rare insight into how Cuba, a small and underdeveloped island nation, has been able to respond positively to the social needs of its population. One of the many strengths of this seminal work is the perspective that Cuban society and the Cuban revolution is, and always has been, in motion - a dynamic process. It''s refreshing to find a book that presents the Cuban revolution neither as finished product nor as panacea, that looks coolly and analytically at the achievements, errors, tensions and reflections that have characterized its fascinating history. In particular, Saney''s treatment of race and racism in Cuba is one of the most thoughtful and provocative to date, especially on the intersection between their structural and attitudinal dimensions.
Yes, racism and inequality are reappearing, but in what form? And why? And is it inevitable? Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Cuba and many visits to the island, Saney dissects the threads of these and other questions in a way that helps renew and animate the debate of race and class not just in relation to Cuba but globally. The author goes a long way towards helping turn around the massive disinformation campaign that has for so long surrounded Cuba, bringing forth all the weight, significance and resonance of this turbulent country in the process. Does a socialist model have something to say about sustainable human development? Can a tiny country find its way through the web of neoliberal globalization without compromising its autonomy or social gains? Is an anti- racist state inherently an anti-capitalist state? Saney touches on all these points and more, placing Cuba squarely within the world at large.'' - Susan Hurlich - a journalist and anthropologist who has been living in Cuba for more than 10 years.''This invaluable guide situates modern Cuba''s economic and political institutions, its current problems and successes (including, significantly, in issues of race and inequality) in the context in which they must be understood. the implacable hostility of U.S. imperialism and the struggles of the Cuban people for a better world; Saney''s book explains why, despite all its difficulties, Cuba continues to inspire people around the world.
'' - Michael A. Lebowitz - Author of "Beyond Capital: Marx''s Political Economy of the Working Class" (Palgrave Macmillan revised edition: 2003).''If you read only one [book on Cuba] this year, my recommendation would be Isaac Saney''s Cuba: A Revolution In Motion.'' - Ann Sparanese, Englewood Public Library, New Jersey and member of the governing council of the American Library Association''Over the years people have frequently asked me what books to read about Cuba when they are about to go there, have just come back, are taking a course, etc. Usually I reply, "Anything by Ocean Press" unless they ask for specific topics, in which case I try to think of which books and articles best meet their needs. In general, Ocean Press has books on most of the topics people want to know about, although it is still adding more all the time. And their books can always be relied on to be accurate and non-rhetorical, highly readable. But one thing has been lacking for a long time: a really good, comprehensive book on Cuba in general rather than Cuba in Africa, writings of Che or Fidel, etc.
Now we have one. I had heard wonderful things about Isaac Saney''s new book, Cuba: A Revolution In Motion - co- published by Zed (England) and Fernwood Canada) - but had no idea what a really marvellous book this was until I got my hands on one. His book is simply the best comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of Cuba that I have ever seen. If you are interested in Cuba run, don''t walk, to get this book Usually books are outdated by the time they go to print, but this one starts with Columbus and includes the current situation in Iraq and the arrests of the made-in-USA "dissidents". More important, it tells the truth about Cuba as a Cuban or one of us might.not a fawning Paradise on Earth or a rhetorical jargon filled book, but an honest reflection of real life and real politics from someone who does know and understand the Cuban Revolution. I hope everyone who reads this will get their local book store to order them, will order the in bulk for your group or school or organization to distribute.'' - Karen Wald, acclaimed journalist and author of ''Children of Che''''I lamented this book had not come out in time to be THE required text for my Special Topics in Cuban Culture and Society course.
This book is not just one of the best introductions to a much contested subject, but also one of the most thoughtful discussions; very political in the true sense of the word. I had been hoping for something like that to be available. I recommend it to everyone, particularly students with an individual interest in Cuba.'' -Dr. Claudia Kaiser-Lenoir, Tufts University.