"Every goat, pig and cow is numbered and accounted for," declares Miguel, pointing out that the Cuban government owns all the nation's farm animals and keeps track of them. This sets forth one of the central themes of Jumping Off to Freedom, life under a repressive government. People have few choices in their lives; they are told where to go and what work they shall do. Advancement consists primarily of gaining a privilege from the government such as a license to drive or a registered bicycle. Access to food is limited and regulated by the government. A fruit-bearing tree in a backyard is a treasure.

The Cuban government, police, and military are shown as relentlessly intolerant of dissent and independent behavior. To survive people try to make whatever they are doing look ordinary, and they try not to be found anyplace where they might...