Though politically informed, I am not particularly interested in political books in general, nor about Cuba in particular. My initial interest in this book stemmed from the accolades of its author. At first, the details of Cuban history confused me; then, it enlightened me; then, it moved me; finally, this book ended with my heart to yearn for the Cuban people. Hoffman weaves together many streams in this biography that centrally tells of one man’s crusade to have his children live in a free Cuba.

Although I pay close attention to American news, I did not know who Oswaldo Payá was before this book. I finished it admiring his character and wishing his efforts to succeed. Cuban freedom is a cause that seems like it should so obviously go forward, but the oppressive power of a few holds it back. Oswaldo and his family contended for this cause from within Cuba for his entire life. As portrayed by Hoffman, he never joined the Revolution and instead hoped that the Cuban people – not the US but the people – would take the primary voice to determine their own destiny. As such, this longing for freedom and self-determination speaks to the universal human condition.

Like many Cubans, Oswaldo’s search for freedom ran through the Roman Catholic church. He saw freedom as a gift from God. Though isolated from the rest of the world for much of his life, he searched his soul for how Cuban democracy should proceed. The Cuban secret police hounded and targeted him and his family for much of his life. Nonetheless, while working as a medical technologist, he continued leading the island’s movement with courage.

This movement was not without its successes. It delivered, several times, tens of thousands of signatures calling for free and fair elections along with social liberties. It advocated the adoption of principles from a prior Cuban constitution that was forgotten by the Castro regime. The visit of Pope John Paul II was a noteworthy highlight. Current unrest is still a dominant theme on the island.

Much violence, war, and loss reside in this book. I yearn for a good ending for this story, an ending filled with hope and freedom, yet the ending of this story remains relatively unwritten. As an American outsider, I cannot help but think the dictatorial regime in Cuba will meet its end, but raw, self-serving power seems to suppress its unpopular aura. Direct American intervention is not always wise; Oswaldo wanted Cuba to determine its own destiny, not the American giant to the north.

Many, particularly those in South Florida, will disagree with this or that in Oswaldo’s approach. Strategy can always be debated. Yet I hope – and I think Hoffman hopes – that this book will show Oswaldo’s character and enlighten the international community to the dignity his approach offers. I learned a lot from this book, and it taught me to cherish better the everyday value of freedom. Even in America, strong men can oppress – Fidel’s politics and American politics can seem eerily similar at spots. Oswaldo’s story teaches us all the value of democracy and human rights in very human terms. I’m grateful to Hoffman for sharing it. ( )