Reviews

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

wearethedepinets's review against another edition

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4.0

If you loved Next Year in Havana, this is a must read....

hellomadalyn's review against another edition

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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.

tiffbaker's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5. Rounding up

ghartke's review against another edition

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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

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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.

ra042312's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

inspiretruth's review against another edition

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4.0

I didn’t think the sequel would beat Next Year in Havana, but I was wrong. This was everything I could’ve imagined it would be and more! I whizzed through the audiobook and couldn’t stop listening.
The novel the life of Beatriz Perez after her family escaped Cuba during the rise of Fidel’s power. Driven by the love of her country, Beatriz isn’t one to stand in the sidelines while her country is in peril. Recruited by the CIA, her life is going to big a big adventure, but will their plans to assassinate Cuba’s new dictator prevail? And what happens when Beatriz’s heart swoons over a man she could never have?
When We Left Cuba was a brilliant book! I almost want to start it from the beginning and read it all over again. It was the perfect addition after enjoying Next Year in Havana!

bookswithvee's review against another edition

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5.0

Great book! Thoroughly enjoyed it.

thebookishlifeofnicole's review against another edition

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5.0

As soon as I finished Next Year in Havana, I knew I needed to get my hands on When We Left Cuba. I was really drawn to Beatriz in the first book and was so excited to hear that When We Left Cuba would be exploring her story. It did not disappoint, not one bit.
In Next Year in Havana, Cleeton brought to life Cuban culture and the history of Fidel Catsro’s regime. In When We Left Cuba we follow Beatriz and the Perez family following their flight from Cuba as they adjust to being immigrants in Florida and try to fit in with the Society there. Filled with espionage, romance and rich historical detail, this book was a home run for me. In Beatriz we find a headstrong, fiery protagonist with a deep and passionate love for her country as well as a will of iron. She is a character with real depth and flaws and I loved every part of her. One of the things I love about Cleeton’s writing in both this book and her prior one is how she stays true to her characters. She lets them make the hard or wrong choice because that’s true to their personality and values and I really respect that. As a reader it really makes the characters more fleshed out and real and I find it helps me connect with them.
This book was mysterious, suspenseful, heartbreaking and romantic. Much like Next Year in Havana, I came away feeling that I had learned so much about Cuban history and politics that I was unaware of before. I love books that expose me to a new place or new ideas and make me curious to learn more. Cleeton is a master at weaving historical details and events into her stories in a way that is not only educational, but enlightening and fascinating. I loved the espionage element to this book, it was well balanced with the romantic storyline and for that reason I liked this more than Next Year in Havana. I am totally hooked on this author and will instantly pick up anything of hers in the future.

lcglassford's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a fun read, but not as good as Next Year in Havana. Still interesting if you enjoy Kennedy era with all its politics along with the CIA! Strong feminist message too!! Probably closer to 3.5 stars for me.