So I do not consider myself a chronicler of my fatherland or even a chronicler of Havana

Well, I write in exile because I cannot return to my country, so I have no choice but to see myself as an exiled writer.

Cigars must be smoked one at a time, peaceably, with all the leisure in the world. Cigarettes are of the instant, Cigars are for eternity.

I am the only British writer who writes in Spanish

I do not believe in inspiration, but I must have a title in order to work, otherwise I am lost

There were influences in my life that were more important than journalism, such as comic strips and radio.

My parents were founders of the Cuban Communist Party, and I grew up extremely poor.