Michael Reid has written a powerful story for our time. Based on the events of Roberto Ramos’s astonishing life in—and eventual escape from—the island of Cuba, The Painting, is a fictionalized account of Roberto Ramos’s life from 1982 until 1992. Growing up under the Castro regime, Ramos learns over time how Fidel has betrayed the rev- olution. This is the story of Ramos’ outrage at this betrayal, and the extreme price he pays for expressing it. The brashness of his defiance is breathtaking and fuels a plot that grips the read- er in continuous suspense. The tension mounts up until the last page, where the suspense finally yields to human triumph over oppression. There is a crucial artistic element to this story as well. Along the way, and through the moment of his escape to the United States, Ramos is drawn to the works of the great Cuban masters— especially the tradition of pre-revolution Cuban painting—as an outlet for his emotions and his growing frustrations with the Castro government, a system he finds increasingly intolerable as the years pass and his distress grows. In a journey that is terrifying, yet also a triumph of the human spirit, Ramos reveals the power of one individual to fight back against an unjust political system. In doing so, he rescues his own identity, and the artistic heritage that defines him. The story of Roberto Ramos is a compelling personal tale, but the power of this book lies just as much in the telling of it. Reid captures the de- tails of a remarkable odyssey and weaves them into an expansive drama, creating a parable for our times. It’s Reid’s keen awareness of detail that shows us how to honestly value the richness of life, even amidst brutal struggles. The result is a story for every person who treasures freedom...and life itself. Book Review: "The Painting by Michael C. Reid is an exquisite non-fiction work that tells the story of the happenings in communist Cuba in a way that only someone who has experienced it can explain. It is insightful, heart-wrenching, and nothing short of thought-provoking. It follows one man's desperate attempt to break the hold of poverty on him and his family. Readers can see how the government plays a huge role in the poverty of its people. We also see political leaders whose only concern is how quickly they can line their pockets with wealth gotten from the sweat of the citizens. The storyline is particularly touching. I am impressed with the way Michael C. Reid fleshes out each of the characters in the book to the smallest detail. The conversations within the book are precisely in tune with the situation in the global scene of the 1980s. This element gives the narrative another credit for accuracy. The mix of Spanish and English is also unique. It adds spice to the conversations and the story. Also, the conversations and character responses to situations were humorous. For instance, here's Roberto's response when he is told his boat, with all its hidden treasures, will have to be scuttled: "I'm not leaving this boat. You need to tow me in or I will die with my collection." Followers of historical events will find the content of this book quite interesting. Not much is known about life within Cuba except what is gotten from state-sponsored newsreels and the odd story from any émigré who has braved the perils of the journey. Also, the information on the Cuban art scene will appeal to art lovers. There are detailed mentions of several artists whose works are worth making out the time to study. Michael C. Reid pens a masterpiece that earns my respect in terms of the presentation of the storyline. The story flows with a certain style that gets your pulse up every time you turn the pages, and the attention to detail is equally impressive." -- Sam Ibeh/Online Book Club