 2008-11-16 - I never knew revolutions could be so boring.
The author went into excruciating and often pointless details about every two-bit mobster in who ever set foot in Cuba, while telling us nearly nothing about the larger picture.
 2008-10-27 - Caribbean Nights
`Havana Nocturne' by T.J. English
In his latest installment, `Havana Nocturne', T.J. English, author of `The Westies' brings us the true story of the Havana Mob. This is the tale of the underworlds influence on Cuba, Havana specifically, in the pre-revolutionary days. You're introduced to all the main players: Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Fulgencio Batista, Fidel Castro, et al. The level of corruption at all levels, be it social or political, is examined thoroughly and connections between the American mob and the Cuban government are laid bare for the reader.
Mr. English's easy reading, gritty writing style only enhance this sordid tale of deception, influence peddling and societal depravity. However, the ease with which this book is read should not be confused with a lack of intelligent subject matter; this work is extremely well researched, never tendentious, provocative and extremely important historically. The Havana Mob may not have been the reason for the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro, however, English demonstrates that the two were certainly not mutually exclusive.
This is an extremely enjoyable, romping time of a read. I definitely recommend anyone interested Latin American, American history or true crime to grab `Havana Nocturne'. I'm already looking forward to the authors next installment.
2008-10-20 - Living history
Reads like the very best fiction! If this book didn't contain some bawdy passages, I'd recommend it for high school history classes!
Most reviewers have covered the Hollywood/mob names involved in this book but little has been noted of Fidel Castro as a young, rabble-rousing college student and how the Cuban & US governments, as well as the mob, grossly mis-judged this man's zeal & appeal. (I was particularly struck by the fact Fidel & Che began with only a couple of dozen followers.) Cuba's government just threw the lot in jail rather than deal w/them
in a way that might have staved off the revolution to come. This tale is so well-written and researched that you can feel yourself walking through the cane fields with this little army. Of all the stories told in "Havana Nocturne," the story of Fidel Castro is the one most notable, more than anything else due to its being the only one not born out of greed.
This book is a quick read, perhaps because you can't put it down once you start, and one I heartily recommend. You will be talking about it for days and you certainly won't forget it!
2008-10-13 - Great Look into Meyer Lansky and the Havana Mob
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - great insight into Havana prior to Castro and the inner workings of the mob (New York, Tampa, Las Vegas).
2008-10-13 - If the subject interests you, then buy this book!
This is a very well written and entertaining account of the mob in Cuba. The author's writing is direct, clear and to the point; it's well researched with lots of notes. The only thing about it I didn't much care for is the title. Highly recommended!
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