Later adapted into film, Before Night Falls possesses an element of sensationalism. Reinaldo Arenas narrates his autobiography from childhood in Cuba to his suicide. This story carries weight because of its underdog qualities. Persecuted relentlessly for his sexuality and political writing, Arenas portrays himself as a sort of Aladdin or Jean Valjean. His personal accounts thrill readers because of their unbelievable qualities.
Arenas survived beatings, starvation in prison, sexual abuse in prison, and constant police supervision. He set his mind on escaping Cuba in order to bring the story of his people to the global conversation. An avid despiser of Castro, Arenas gained some international attention when he began to write tracts against the Cuban government. He grew more bold, mailing his own writing overseas. Without a doubt he paid dearly for this boldness because he spent multiple years in prison and then in a government rehabilitation facility.
His voice contributed to the global discussion about communism. If Castro is the finest model of the communist system of government, then why are his people starving? Cuba became prominent in the news overseas and in America. Finally, Arenas, through his writing, made himself important enough to be offered political refuge in the States. His lifelong dream of escape was fulfilled, but he didn't stop. He increased his anti-Castro activism from the safety of his new home in America. From start to finish, Arenas' book conveys the basic human ideals of justice, survival, and freedom.
