Writing to Cuba: Filibustering and Cuban Exiles in the United States (Envisioning Cuba)

Uncover a hidden chapter in Cuban-American literary history with Rodrigo Lazo's groundbreaking book, *Writing to Cuba: Filibustering and Cuban Exiles in the United States (Envisioning Cuba)*. This meticulously researched "New edition" paperback delves into the fascinating world of 19th-century Cuban intellectuals who sought refuge and influence in the burgeoning cities of the United States. Far from simply seeking asylum, these exiled writers actively engaged in shaping the future of their homeland through a vibrant transnational print culture. Lazo's work sheds light on a generation of Cuban writers including Cirilo Villaverde, Juan Clemente Zenea, Pedro Santacilia, and Miguel T. Tolon who used newspapers, pamphlets, and books published in the U.S. to advocate for Cuban independence from Spain. Their fiery prose wasn't solely focused on liberation; many also envisioned a future for Cuba closely aligned with, or even annexed to, the United States, fueled by a belief in American ideals and the expansionist ambitions of the U.S. government. This perspective offers a vital counterpoint to traditional narratives of Cuban nationalism, highlighting the complex and often contradictory feelings towards the United States during this pivotal period. What sets *Writing to Cuba* apart is Lazo's commitment to examining these writers and their works within a transnational framework. He moves beyond simplistic nation-based models of literary study, demonstrating the crucial connections between Cuban and U.S. politics, economics, and culture. Lazo masterfully weaves together literary analysis with historical context, drawing upon rare archival materials from both the United States and Havana to paint a rich and nuanced picture of this unique moment in history. The book explores the concept of "los filibusteros," the name given to these exiled writers, highlighting their connection to the actual filibuster movements private military expeditions aimed at liberating Cuba or other Latin American territories. Lazo reveals how these writers used their pens as weapons, shaping public opinion and influencing U.S. policy towards Cuba. He meticulously analyzes how U.S. politicians, journalists, and novelists engaged with the Cuban question, demonstrating the significant role that print culture played in shaping nineteenth-century ideas about territory, colonialism, and citizenship. *Writing to Cuba* is more than just a literary study; it's a vital contribution to the fields of Cuban studies, Latin American studies, American studies, and transnational studies. It offers a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between Cuba and the United States, challenging conventional wisdom and prompting new avenues of inquiry. This 264-page "New edition", published in 2005 by The University of North Carolina Press, is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Cuban nationalism, the dynamics of exile, and the power of literature to shape political and social change. Dive into this fascinating and often overlooked chapter of history and discover the untold stories of the Cuban writers who dared to write their way to freedom.