Leycester Coltman was British ambassador in Cuba from 1991 to 1994. During these years, the dust jacket on his book claims, 'he came as close to personal friendship with Castro as any foreigner was permitted.' Coltman writes with great confidence, even immodesty - we are given the impression that he knows all Castro's secrets - and the range of his book extends beyond his immediate experience to take in all of Castro's life.

LRB 19 August 2004 | PDF Download