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A review by mimig312
Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba & Then Lost it to the Revolution by T.J. English
4.0
3.75 Stars
Havana Nocturne is a comprehensive history of the American mob setting their foothold in Cuba after WW2. For approximately 15 years, they established a lucrative casino empire that ultimately collaspsed after Fidel Castro executed a successful coup of the government.
English goes into great detail by starting with the histories of the main mob players who had a vision of a casino-hotel empire in Havana. From Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Santo Trafficante (to name a few) we learn how the delicate balance of mob power was organized, managed and sometimes was challenged in Havana. English also details the backgrounds of Bautista and Castro and provides a canvas of cultural, socio-economic and political factors that influenced their individual rise to power.
Though these personal histories are interesting, I found myself most intrigued by how the Havana tourist economy grew during this time. A unique music sound developed, the mamba, which spawned the tamer cha-cha-cha. World renown entertainers performed intimate shows that rivaled those of New York City and Las Vegas. Talented choreographers designed live shows that featured fully nude performers. Unfortunately, darker vices were also easily accessible. Live sex shows thrived in smaller clubs and prostitution was rampant.
The Havana tourist economy thrived during this short time through the will of the mob that molded the hotel casinos and the political influence they held over Cuba's president. Still, American politics and corporations held great influence and power over the country's economy. English breezes over these factors which I think is a missed opportunity in shaping the full picture of why the country's everyday people would be ready to overthrow their corrupt government.
Overall, an interesting history of the American mob and their short but influential time in Cuba.
Havana Nocturne is a comprehensive history of the American mob setting their foothold in Cuba after WW2. For approximately 15 years, they established a lucrative casino empire that ultimately collaspsed after Fidel Castro executed a successful coup of the government.
English goes into great detail by starting with the histories of the main mob players who had a vision of a casino-hotel empire in Havana. From Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Santo Trafficante (to name a few) we learn how the delicate balance of mob power was organized, managed and sometimes was challenged in Havana. English also details the backgrounds of Bautista and Castro and provides a canvas of cultural, socio-economic and political factors that influenced their individual rise to power.
Though these personal histories are interesting, I found myself most intrigued by how the Havana tourist economy grew during this time. A unique music sound developed, the mamba, which spawned the tamer cha-cha-cha. World renown entertainers performed intimate shows that rivaled those of New York City and Las Vegas. Talented choreographers designed live shows that featured fully nude performers. Unfortunately, darker vices were also easily accessible. Live sex shows thrived in smaller clubs and prostitution was rampant.
The Havana tourist economy thrived during this short time through the will of the mob that molded the hotel casinos and the political influence they held over Cuba's president. Still, American politics and corporations held great influence and power over the country's economy. English breezes over these factors which I think is a missed opportunity in shaping the full picture of why the country's everyday people would be ready to overthrow their corrupt government.
Overall, an interesting history of the American mob and their short but influential time in Cuba.