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that_silly_ginger's review
5.0
This is one of the most wholesome and touching WWII novels I have ever read. I loved that so much attention was put into telling the stories of not just Esther and her family, but the many other immigrant stories of people in Cuba as well. The character interactions were incredibly heartwarming, and while I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the hardships they faced, I particularly enjoyed that the book focused on family, culture, and the friendships developed along the way.
starfish912's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-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? No
4.25
aburciaga11's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
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? No
4.5
ccwolf09's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
howdyhoward's review against another edition
4.0
This was very sweet! I wasn’t very aware of Jewish immigrants to Cuba in the 1920s and 30s so i definitely learned a lot. Some of the conflict was resolved a little too quickly/completely for my taste, but hey it’s for children so I understand that decision.
booksinbedinthornhill's review
4.0
A great addition to any elementary school library collection, and as relevant today in as the time in which this book of fiction-based-on-fact letters from one sister (in Cuba) to another (in Poland) is set.
clarkso6's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Polish Jewish father and daughter immigrate to Cuba in 1938. This follows the daughter as she writes to her siste about their struggle to make enough money to send for the rest of their family back in Poland. Loved the characters. Remember that this is during the time of Nazi-occupied Europe.
jlvwolf's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It's a really cute and the main character and story is very hopeful. it also let me know about many different aspects of Cuban cultures and communities.
jbojkov's review
4.0
WWll story told through letters a young Jewish girl writes from Cuba to her sister back in Poland. Researched by a cultural anthropologist and based on her grandmother’s experience.
nicolelynnreads's review
5.0
Initial thoughts:
This story definitely started off slow but picked up by the middle. I think I’ve been reading too many fast-paced, adventure/suspense novels so my pacing may be off. By the time I finished and now that I’m reflecting I don’t think the story was necessarily slow so much as it felt more like an experience than a story. I’m not quite sure if I’m explaining this right lol. Idk it was like watching an experience come to life through someone else’s eyes. The author did a wonderful job of making me feel like I was there and experiencing what Esther was experiencing.
I didn’t know that Jewish people fled to Cuba as a place of refuge. It is definitely a blank spot in my knowledge of history & what I was taught in school. I think so many schools just focus on The Diary of Ann Frank or Number the Stars so we don’t get too many varying experiences. Letters From Cuba changes that. Behar shows a story I knew nothing of and immerses you in that story. I loved seeing the different cultures and religions showcased in this story and I loved how the people came together & became friends & supported each other despite having different religions and cultures. I loved how Behar tried her best to convey these different cultures & religions. I also enjoyed how she touched on the antisemitism & the struggle of the Jewish people and the looming threat of Nazi Germany and Nazisim.
Overall this was a fantastic story. More of a review to come!
This story definitely started off slow but picked up by the middle. I think I’ve been reading too many fast-paced, adventure/suspense novels so my pacing may be off. By the time I finished and now that I’m reflecting I don’t think the story was necessarily slow so much as it felt more like an experience than a story. I’m not quite sure if I’m explaining this right lol. Idk it was like watching an experience come to life through someone else’s eyes. The author did a wonderful job of making me feel like I was there and experiencing what Esther was experiencing.
I didn’t know that Jewish people fled to Cuba as a place of refuge. It is definitely a blank spot in my knowledge of history & what I was taught in school. I think so many schools just focus on The Diary of Ann Frank or Number the Stars so we don’t get too many varying experiences. Letters From Cuba changes that. Behar shows a story I knew nothing of and immerses you in that story. I loved seeing the different cultures and religions showcased in this story and I loved how the people came together & became friends & supported each other despite having different religions and cultures. I loved how Behar tried her best to convey these different cultures & religions. I also enjoyed how she touched on the antisemitism & the struggle of the Jewish people and the looming threat of Nazi Germany and Nazisim.
Overall this was a fantastic story. More of a review to come!