The Motorcycle Diaries..

Ernesto Che Guevara

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In January 1952, two young men from Buenos Aires set out to explore South America on an ancient Norton motorbike. The journey lasted six months and took them thousands of miles, all the way from Argentina to Venezuela. En route, there was disasters and discoveries, high drama, low comedy, fights, parties and a lot of serious drinking.

They met an extraordinary range of people: native indians and copper miners, lepers, police, wanderers and tourists. They became stowaways, firemen and football coaches, and joined in a strike. They sometimes fell in love, and frequently fell off the motorbike. Both of them kept diaries. One of them was a tall and good-looking medical student called Ernest Guevara de la Serna. Using the standard Argentinean nickname, others would sometimes refer to the two companions as Big Che and Little Che. In Ernesto‘s case, the nickname stuck. Within a decade the whole world would know Che Guevara.

This is the story of that remarkable journey, eight years before the Cuban Revolution, in Che‘s own words, and illustrated with contemporary photographs. For Che, it was a formative experience, and amidst the humour and pathos of the tale, there are examples of his idealism and his solidarity with the poor and the oppressed. But it is far from being the diary of a militant, and sometimes very far from being “political correct,” which may be the reason that the manuscript has only been made available now, a quarter century after Che‘s death in the Bolivian jungle. Instead, it is a record kept by an exuberant, intelligent and observant 23-year-old, describing what might have been the adventure of a lifetime—had his lifetime not turned into a much greater adventure.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Spirit of Adventure: Guevara's journey epitomizes the spirit of adventure and exploration, as he and Granado embark on a transformative trip across South America on a motorcycle.

  2. Social Injustice: The memoir highlights the social injustices and inequalities faced by indigenous communities and impoverished populations across South America, sparking Guevara's revolutionary fervor.

  3. Solidarity with the Oppressed: Through his interactions with marginalized communities, Guevara develops a deep sense of solidarity with the oppressed and a commitment to fighting for social justice.

  4. Cultural Diversity: The book offers insights into the cultural diversity of South America, as Guevara and Granado encounter a variety of people, languages, and customs during their journey.

  5. Environmental Awareness: Guevara's observations of the natural landscapes and ecosystems of South America inspire an appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the environment.

  6. Personal Transformation: The journey serves as a catalyst for Guevara's personal transformation, shaping his political beliefs, worldview, and sense of purpose.

  7. Human Connection: The memoir celebrates the power of human connection and empathy, as Guevara and Granado forge friendships and form bonds with the people they encounter along the way.

  8. Critique of Capitalism: Guevara's experiences expose the exploitative nature of capitalism and imperialism, fueling his revolutionary zeal and commitment to socialist ideals.

  9. Quest for Identity: The journey becomes a quest for identity and self-discovery for Guevara, as he grapples with questions of identity, privilege, and social responsibility.

  10. Legacy of Revolution: "The Motorcycle Diaries" foreshadows Guevara's future role as a revolutionary icon and guerrilla leader, laying the groundwork for his later involvement in revolutionary movements across Latin America.

Language English
ISBN-10 0007241712
ISBN-13 9780007241712
No of pages 165
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Harper Perennial
Published Date 01 Jan 2007

About Author

Author : Ernesto Che Guevara

3 Books

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