Cultural Writing. Biography and Memoir. Latino/Latina Studies. The whims of politics are at the fore of Guillermo Vincente Vidal's memoir, in which young boys become men in the shadow of revolution and personal turmoil. Vidal writes about his family's participation in events that forever altered U.S.-Cuban relations after an effort to free children from the threat of Communist rule sparked Operation Peter Pan. From chance encounters with Fidel Castro and Robert F. Kennedy to life in a dismal Catholic orphanage in Colorado, Vidal perseveres to embrace life as a proud and successful Cuban American. His account is a poignant story of struggle, forgiveness, and the joy of returning home. John Hickenlooper, the Mayor of Denver, writes: "This is the best book I have read in ages. Guillermo Vidal's is a remarkable life. I was heartbroken at the finish, not from the story, but because I had no more to read. A lyrical and magical book." and Senator Ken Salazar says, "This is an inspiring story about Guillermo Vidal and the heart wrenching challenges of a son of Cuba displaced from his homeland and family. Even though the emotional toll on his family is immense, Vidal realizes that the sacrifice that his parents endured to give their sons a better life proved to be the ultimate act of love. Vidal is an American success story through his exemplary leadership and service."

Author City: Denver, CO USA