"I first came out against Castro in June 1968, fifteen months after my book had been published, and you cannot imagine how quickly a void was created around me"

In this quote, Guillermo Cabrera Infante reviews the social and political repercussions of his public opposition to Fidel Castro. The phrase "I initially came out against Castro" signifies a significant personal and political act, offered the context of Cuba's political climate under Castro's regime. Coming out versus Castro in 1968 was not a simple dissenting opinion; it was a courageous stance that involved significant individual danger, especially for someone like Cabrera Infante, a Cuban author and intellectual whose work had actually been released and who might have previously been aligned, or a minimum of not publicly opposed, to revolutionary perfects.

The timing discussed--"fifteen months after my book had been released"-- indicates a period of contemplation and likely internal dispute for Cabrera Infante. The publishing of a book often represents an author's concepts and beliefs, and the interval before his public denunciation of Castro suggests a substantial evolution in those beliefs or the political context, engaging him to speak out. This choice potentially reflects deep disenchantment with the direction of Castro's federal government, especially the increasing repression, lack of freedom, and authoritarian control that had actually developed over the years.

The expression "you can not picture how quickly a void was produced around me" poignantly captures the instant and separating effects of his actions. It indicates that, following his critique, Cabrera Infante dealt with social ostracism and alienation both from political circles and possibly from good friends and peers who either supported Castro or feared association with an outspoken critic. This void symbolizes both an absence of support and the severing of connections, hinting at the broader environment of fear and the level of ideological conformity anticipated within Cuban society at the time.

Cabrera Infante's declaration sheds light on the individual sacrifices involved in taking a principled stand versus an oppressive routine and invites reflection on the wider theme of artistic and intellectual liberty under political duress. His experience is illustrative of the obstacles faced by dissidents worldwide and highlights the guts required to voice dissent in a context of possible retaliation or ostracism.