Profiles of an Exodus

About the Book

Profiles of an Exodus was written to tell the story of what happened in Cuba in 1959 when Fulgencio Batista fled the country paving the way for Fidel Castro to seize power, plunging a disillusioned people into decades of depravity. It is a compilation of the experiences as well as the political, historical background of Cuba during and leading up to the Great Cuban Exodus. In addition, the author tells the story of the plight of the Cuban refugee. Promising early elections, once the dust had settled after seizing the leadership of Cuba, Castro deceived the Cuban people by declaring himself dictator for life. In spite of what has been said about Fidel and the laurels he has received for Cuba's achievements, Cuba was already a developed country with a strong constitution, a progressive economy, and a superb educational system before he assumed power. The U.S. blockade has kept Cuba’s economy stifled for decades, something that Castro was not able to turn around during his time in power. This book tells the stories of some of the refugees and political prisoners who fled from that communist island regime.

About the Author

Rev. Michael M. Pszyk Jr., the son of Ukrainian immigrants, was born in Havana, Cuba in 1929. He graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1958 and is an ordained Methodist minister. He is Director of Church World Service, an agency funded by the National Council of Churches that works with refugees.