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niharikaaaaaa9's review against another edition
2.0
I loved Next Year In Havana, and when I saw the first chapter of When We Left Cuba at the end of this book, I was excited to learn more about Beatriz Perez, who seemed like the kind of woman who could smash the patriarchy while drinking champagne (in the same night, and somehow not wake up hungover).
Unfortunately, we didn't get very much of said strong, independent Beatriz in this book. For someone who spent a non-trivial amount of time in the book arguing against marriage, and not wanting to be a typical wife because she wanted her independence and didn't want to be tied to a man, she spent about 80% of the book talking about one of three men (most of that time being spent talking romantically about them). Even the parts in which she seemed she would not talk about them, because she was off on her own adventure, she somehow managed to make it about them (or run into them).
All in all, it was a complete disappointment; it tried to be both a love story and an adventurous one, and for that reason I rate this 2 stars.
Unfortunately, we didn't get very much of said strong, independent Beatriz in this book. For someone who spent a non-trivial amount of time in the book arguing against marriage, and not wanting to be a typical wife because she wanted her independence and didn't want to be tied to a man, she spent about 80% of the book talking about one of three men (most of that time being spent talking romantically about them). Even the parts in which she seemed she would not talk about them, because she was off on her own adventure, she somehow managed to make it about them (or run into them).
All in all, it was a complete disappointment; it tried to be both a love story and an adventurous one, and for that reason I rate this 2 stars.
liz_renneker's review against another edition
4.0
Historical fiction that isn’t WWII. Strong female lead is always nice after floozy romance novels
winstonandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Tonight, I looked at myself in the mirror, and it occurred to me that perhaps adulthood had come not with a white gown and veil thrust upon me against my wishes, but rather in this moment, with this decision to claim my womanhood, to use it to get what I want rather than what everyone else wants for me.
Tonight, I feel powerful.
A well paced, interesting, empowering read, set in a fascinating and incredibly tense corner of history, with a great heroine. I enjoyed this one more than Next Year in Havana. I was a bit disappointed that some aspects of the story were skipped over or glossed over, but overall I really enjoyed the read. I recommend this book.
Tonight, I feel powerful.
A well paced, interesting, empowering read, set in a fascinating and incredibly tense corner of history, with a great heroine. I enjoyed this one more than Next Year in Havana. I was a bit disappointed that some aspects of the story were skipped over or glossed over, but overall I really enjoyed the read. I recommend this book.
sarah_reading_party's review against another edition
4.0
Beatriz's story is fantastic! Such a strong character - if you liked the first Perez family book, you'll have to read this sequel. :)
kevorkian's review against another edition
4.0
Alright, I guess I'm reading Chanel Cleeton's books backwards!
When We Left Cuba follows Beatriz Perez (who you apparently learn about in Next Year in Havana, so don't make my mistake and read this one first) as she attempts to avenge her brother's death and fight for her country through espionage. I found the first half of the book a slow burn - I think there was just a lot of the same going on, but once Beatriz got to Europe I couldn't put the dang book down!
Also, I just read my friend bookish.canuck's review and now I know there's no point in me writing a review. Read her review, I implore you!
When We Left Cuba follows Beatriz Perez (who you apparently learn about in Next Year in Havana, so don't make my mistake and read this one first) as she attempts to avenge her brother's death and fight for her country through espionage. I found the first half of the book a slow burn - I think there was just a lot of the same going on, but once Beatriz got to Europe I couldn't put the dang book down!
Also, I just read my friend bookish.canuck's review and now I know there's no point in me writing a review. Read her review, I implore you!
wearethedepinets's review against another edition
4.0
If you loved Next Year in Havana, this is a must read....
hellomadalyn's review against another edition
4.0
As expected, I loved this. It’s very different from NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA, but it’s wonderful in its own right. All of the international politics and political intrigue hardcore appealed to my politico side, and I’m shocked by how much I was rooting for the romance. So so good.
ghartke's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
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
3.75
daniellearider's review against another edition
5.0
This was everything I loved about "Next Year in Havana" and more. Beautifully drawn characters, well written and compelling story lines, gorgeous imagery. It was simply divine.