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emwil13's review against another edition
5.0
I am not typically the fastest reader and get distracted easily, but I read this book in 2 days. It was too good, now I have an obsession with visiting Cuba. The story was interesting, the characters were dynamic, there was a good plot and plenty of cliff hangers. I would recommend this book to anyone.
almondcookies's review against another edition
4.0
Don't think about what you'll leave behind, think about what you'll gain.
Really lovely book that brought many insights into Cuban society and culture in the mid 20th century. This was such a bittersweet read, but the twist in the epilogue is exactly what it needed.
World Book Day 2020
Really lovely book that brought many insights into Cuban society and culture in the mid 20th century. This was such a bittersweet read, but the twist in the epilogue is exactly what it needed.
World Book Day 2020
djryan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
clothespin's review against another edition
4.0
This fictional account of the lives of a few people going through the political and social upheavals of Cuba in the mid-1900... I loved seeing how life was in Havana and the occasional references to the Dominican Republic (where I once lived)... It was an interesting story rich in history that made me feel as if I were back in the islands... A very nice read.
lisamshardlow's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my god, this was so good! It grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn't let go. It was also very emotional and I admit that I shed a little tear. It was passionate, funny in places, quite terrifying and tragic in others, but above all a really good story! I loved Patricio and Gloria, hated Cesar and his stupid little sister Marita. I really love a book that makes you feel all sorts of different emotions, and this did just that. Oh, and I also really loved the descriptions of Havana, Cuba.
seattlehols16's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Murder, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Grief, Child abuse, and Animal death
yada_perez's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised with this book , I ended up liking it more than I though I would ! I thought it was going to be boring and about the history of Cuba but it was such a cute love story. After I got over the fact she was only 14 and her family forced her to marry..
odmay's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book which is set before and during the revolution in Cuba, and is a combination of an intense romance and historic fiction.
Historic fiction is one of my favourite genres and thus enjoyed reading about everyday life and historic figures in a bygone era. I particularly like reading about the department store and the luxury, which reflected a divided society in that era. The romance part which was a bit drawn out, taking place over many years, and too contrived for my liking.
Overall I did like this book and recommend it to readers who enjoy historic fiction and world literature.
Historic fiction is one of my favourite genres and thus enjoyed reading about everyday life and historic figures in a bygone era. I particularly like reading about the department store and the luxury, which reflected a divided society in that era. The romance part which was a bit drawn out, taking place over many years, and too contrived for my liking.
Overall I did like this book and recommend it to readers who enjoy historic fiction and world literature.
littletaiko's review against another edition
3.0
Not only was this a love story about Patricio, an emigrant to Cuba from Spain, and Gloria, the beautiful wife of a Havana gangster, it's also a love story about Havana, the city. Patricio and Gloria were both strong characters and the story is told from both of their points of view. Equally entreating are Patricio's best friends who are as loyal as can be. Gloria's husband is truly cruel and vicious and the book maybe spends a bit too much time showing us exactly how cruel he can be. The story moves into soap opera territory with incredible coincidences and problems popping up left and right towards the end. However I really did enjoy the characters as well as learning more about Cuba before Castro came to power.
gbatsreads3417's review against another edition
5.0
Heartwarming. True love.
True love could not have been more beautifully portrayed. Love will always find a way even when it seems impossible!
True love could not have been more beautifully portrayed. Love will always find a way even when it seems impossible!