Chapter 4 Summary

This chapter describes Carlos' school life. Carlos and Tony attend the private school run by the Christian Brothers. This is the most prestigious grammar school in Cuba, and all the wealthiest men send their sons here, including President Batista. Batista's bodyguards are present in force at the school, and Carlos believes that they are there to protect the Batista boys from bullies. Once, when he is in second-grade, Carlos finds out why they are there when the presidential palace is attacked, and dozens of police cars surround the school.

At this school, the sons of the most powerful men in Cuba are taught that Cuba is paradise, and there is no other place as lovely. Here, under the watchful eyes of the priests, boys torment and ridicule each other. The priests intervene only when they see blood. Here, because of his unwillingness to...