Scan barcode
ra042312's review against another edition
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
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!
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!
thebookishlifeofnicole's review against another edition
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.
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
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.
abarroner's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable read and a good companion to Next Year in Havana. However I kept getting annoyed that Beatriz and Nick would have the same fight every time they were together.
ellegehr's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 - loved the badass spy storyline + everything about Beatriz
rangelo's review against another edition
3.0
It’s always hard when you start a book that has so many good reviews. And maybe I was really expecting too much from it? But I felt like the plot and characters for this book were really just meh. I am Cuban and I felt like that kept me going, it felt like my family’s story moving to Florida. I felt like she really wanted a strong leading lady and she fell short.
myza's review against another edition
4.0
I tore through this book (as I do with all Chanel Cleeton’s novels). I love the historical Cuban setting mixed with the Florida setting. I can’t wait for another from her.