Reviews with content warning for Dementia - A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow

I have two qualms with this book. The first is that the author made some obtuse remarks about Lila’s friend going to “Africa” rather than naming a country or a city and then treating Africa like a backwards continent.

The second issue is that as a Cuban in the UK, Lila begins making pastries with lard in them and how proud she is of Cubans loving pork products. There are SO MANY vegetarians in England and every single establishment in the smallest towns is vegetarian friendly, so I would have liked to see that be addressed.

Content Warnings

jillkaarlela's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Love love love this book!!! I just want to try all of the pastellitos y pan Cubano now!! I loved the sweet Romcom, it’s like drinking iced milk tea, so sweet and refreshing. We love POC leads!! The representation and incorporation of her culture and baking and just an overall great multidimensional character that deals with grief and struggle but finding her own worth and making decisions for herself not for anyone else. We love to see it. And of course, since we are in England, my taylor swift songs for this book have to include “London boy”, and “I think he knows”. I highly recommend this sweet Romcom with POC rep and multidimensional characters!!
Age rating: 13+

Content Warnings

sunlit_music's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is so beautifully moving and uplifting, I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle, tender book that will lift their spirits.

Characters: Characters are all realistic and well written. I love how Lila is strong, warm, caring, and how proud of her Cuban heritage she is. I also love her warm and supportive family, and how she makes new, strong friendships in England. Orion is also a great love interest - funny, kind, likeable, and empathic. I also love that Orion respects Lila's choices and freedom, he doesn't force her to choose between him and her family, and says so.

I like the nuanced portrayals of each character - they're flawed, but working towards being better people. Lila has to work through losing her best friend, and breaking up with her boyfriend Andres. Her ex best friend and ex boyfriend are portrayed as flawed people trying to do better and be kinder.

Also loved Orion's sister Flora - seeing her character growth after becoming closer to Lila is so amazing, Flora is so underrated!

I'm so grateful the author tactfully writes about grief and bereavement. Lila is recovering from her beloved grandmother's death, while Orion is struggling with his mother having early onset dementia.

Despite the heavy themes in the book, this book is so loving and sweet. It really feels like a comfort book that I can re-read, over and over again.

Plot: The plot is believable and extremely moving. It's great seeing how Lila gets used to living in England, and I'm happy that she doesn't have to give up her friendships in England or her family in America.

Prose: is fantastic, and I LOVE the amazing cooking and food descriptions! They sound so delicious!

Ending: the ending is sweet and uplifting, and makes me feel hopeful about these characters' futures. :)

I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a warm hearted, compassionate and thoughtful book with characters you'll love.

Content Warnings

littlewishling's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

So cute and heartwarming and once I hit the halfway point I couldn’t put it down.

Content Warnings

More...