Che Guevara's Diaries — Review by Agawa

Source: Nowe Książki, 1970.

This is an important book for the history of the twentieth century. Setting aside even its substantive content — which is a record of the partisan operations of Guevara’s small unit on Bolivian territory, more precisely in the province of Santa Cruz (which is significant) — this book is a document illustrating the political strategy adopted as the correct strategy by the leaders of the Cuban revolution. It is therefore impossible to avoid reflection on precisely that subject. That is why Fidel Castro, who provided the preface to Guevara’s diary, considered writing it a necessity.

Writing of the fact that before the whole of the “Third World” — and particularly before the countries of Latin America, if they wish to free themselves from the constantly growing economic and political hegemony of the USA — the necessity of a deep revolutionary transformation presents itself with all the force of reality, Castro states: “And if someone, in addition to having devised that formula, knows a magic way to realise it — a way other than sweeping away the oligarchy, the despots, the petty politicians, that is the lackeys; sweeping away the American monopolies — the masters of the situation; and if there is someone who can do this as quickly as circumstances demand — then let that someone raise a hand against Guevara.”

The diary is a record kept during the Bolivian campaign from 7 November 1966 to 7 October 1967. It is simultaneously a strategic document and a deeply human testimony. The dry, factual tone of the entries cannot conceal what lies behind them: exhaustion, hunger, disease, the deaths of comrades, the progressive tightening of the military ring. And yet, not for a day does the author abandon his purpose or consider surrender.

The book is significant not only as a historical document but as evidence of a political philosophy: the belief that revolutionary change in Latin America is possible — and that the personal example of those willing to sacrifice everything is the most powerful catalyst for that change.

source: kapuscinski.info