Havana Syndrome
5.0/5
Critic Rating
In 2016, a mysterious, debilitating illness begins to afflict American diplomats and spies working abroad – first in Cuba, and then around the world. Victims report crippling neurological symptoms. Some describe the feeling of being hit by an invisible, directed pressure while they were stationed on government property, or sometimes standing in their own homes or hotel rooms. Is this bizarre illness the result of a weapon? Is it mass psychosis? Or something else entirely? Award-winning journalists Jon Lee Anderson and Adam Entous take listeners to the heart of this saga in HAVANA SYNDROME, a new podcast from VICE World News. Hosted on...
Critic Reviews
Score: 5
Ximena Smith • Stuff NZ • Feb 11, 2023
"I have long been fascinated by news stories about the mysterious brain injury phenomenon known as the “Havana syndrome”, so I was delighted to see this new eight-part podcast released last month by Vice World News. Their deep knowledge and connections add significant heft to the series, especially given the secrecy that surrounds the subject."
Score: 5
Patricia Nicol • The Times UK • Feb 5, 2023
"More muted in its delivery, but also an intelligent, insightful listen...It is particularly strong on the thawing of US-Cuban relations under Obama, and how this queered that."
Score: 5
Miranda Sawyer • The Guardian • Jan 29, 2023
"...it’s more traditional, well funded and serious-minded. Their approach is more political-gumshoe-cum-high-end-foreign-correspondent. So, less frivolity. They talk to actual spies, as opposed to everyday workers."
Score: 4.9
Fiona Sturges • Financial Times • Jan 29, 2023
"While their series doesn’t have the lyricism and stylishness of Woolf’s, it is no less gripping and authoritative."
