Diary of a Combatant: From the Sierra Maestra to Santa Clara, Cuba 1956–58

Ocean Press takes another step in completing its Che Guevara publishing project with the release of this set of notebook diaries Che kept during his time as a guerrilla in Cuba from December 1956 through the end of 1958 in the Sierra Maestra mountains and beyond. Previously published in Spanish in 2011, as transcribed by his widow, Aleida March, this title contains Che's brief notations from seven small notebooks, one of which is missing (mid-August 1947 through mid-March 1958). He never edited the entries. His brief, fluid writings represent his actions and thoughts during this pivotal era of the Cuban Revolution. He made use of parts of these writings when he wrote Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War (1963, translated from Spanish in 1968). When this work is combined with Che's other writings, the real Guevara comes into focus as a revolutionary, a leader—and a remarkable figure. Editor Ariet has included a useful chronology and a most helpful biographical glossary, detailing many of the names Che introduces in these diaries. There is also a handful of miscellaneous documents but one single map—additional detailed maps would have greatly enhanced the presentation.