Cubans

Geldof, an Irish journalist who lived in Cuba from 1985 to 1989, takes a distinctly sympathetic stance toward the Cuban state in this collection of 32 interviews with both Cubans and Cuban Americans. Most of the 19 people interviewed in Cuba announce support for the revolution--``I think it's a very fair society,'' says the first interviewee, who had been born into a wealthy family--though a few offer criticism and several point out that the youth, unaware of the past, want more prosperity. Talking to ordinary people--no government officials or dissidents--Geldof has captured some texture of daily life, such as a woman's work in a literacy campaign, a soldier's service in Angola and a radio producer's effort to broadcast fresh humor and new music. In the preface, Geldof likens Cuba's history and geopolitical situation to that of Ireland and says that Cuba's social achievements are impressive compared with those of its Latin American neighbors. Her interviews with 12 Cubans in the U.S. suggest more diverse views than are usually portrayed, but the vocal anti-Castro forces deserve deeper analysis. Still, this melange of voices complements other, more subtle and incisive journalistic perspectives, such as Jacobo Timerman's Cuba. (June)