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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
i wanted to love love love this, but alas. the distance from Pearl as well as the straightforward nature of her development made it difficult to engage in the story. lots of "this happened. then, she did this." kind of narrative. circled around a few ideas, but struggled to land on any of them.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I found this book by chance at a local thrift store and I'm so happy to have picked it up.
Pearl was a wonderful protagonist, mainly because she wasn't perfect. She was human, going through a turbulent experience, and constantly making choices. Through her choices, you gain insight into life and all it throws at you. Her exploration of strength, humility, and sexuality was thoughtfully and clearly written. Additionally, I saw my mother's immigrant experience reflected in Pearl and thought it was written very authentically.
I'm not well versed in Jewish history and as I mentioned in one of my updates, this book forced me to reconsider the pedestal that I place Polish history on. Pearl was a harsh critic and at first, I was shocked to see my country represented in such a negative light. Upon research, I, unfortunately, agree with Pearl's judgments and realize I have much to learn about Jewish history. Hotel Cuba did a great job of bringing to light and starting a conversation about social injustices faced by Jews well before WW2.
My only major grievances with the story are some not fleshed out, random characters (like Senora Sassoon), and the harsh commentary on Poles. I've learned the history so I understand where Pearl's words were coming from. However, the same energy was rarely applied to other European countries/ citizens she met along the way. Additionally, I can't let go of the fact that the man who assaulted Pearl was described as Polish. How come? The mismatched uniform and basic Slavic appearance made it difficult for me to connect the man to the Poles.
Overall, amazing book among one of the best historical fictions I've read in a minute.
Pearl was a wonderful protagonist, mainly because she wasn't perfect. She was human, going through a turbulent experience, and constantly making choices. Through her choices, you gain insight into life and all it throws at you. Her exploration of strength, humility, and sexuality was thoughtfully and clearly written. Additionally, I saw my mother's immigrant experience reflected in Pearl and thought it was written very authentically.
I'm not well versed in Jewish history and as I mentioned in one of my updates, this book forced me to reconsider the pedestal that I place Polish history on. Pearl was a harsh critic and at first, I was shocked to see my country represented in such a negative light. Upon research, I, unfortunately, agree with Pearl's judgments and realize I have much to learn about Jewish history. Hotel Cuba did a great job of bringing to light and starting a conversation about social injustices faced by Jews well before WW2.
My only major grievances with the story are some not fleshed out, random characters (like Senora Sassoon), and the harsh commentary on Poles. I've learned the history so I understand where Pearl's words were coming from. However, the same energy was rarely applied to other European countries/ citizens she met along the way. Additionally, I can't let go of the fact that the man who assaulted Pearl was described as Polish. How come? The mismatched uniform and basic Slavic appearance made it difficult for me to connect the man to the Poles.
Overall, amazing book among one of the best historical fictions I've read in a minute.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Based on family history, Aaron Hamburger imagines the journey of a pragmatic (and often exasperated) Jewish woman trying her best to get to the United States in Hotel Cuba. Pearl Kahn has always been the one who puts food on the table, keeps the house clean, and brings in money while her family members are, well, less than helpful. Rising anti-Semitism and poverty push Pearl to follow in the footsteps of older relatives and, with her lovelorn sister in tow, head for the New World. The journey is far from easy, not least because 1920s America is tightening restrictions on immigration (especially Jewish immigration) from Eastern Europe. Much of this novel is set during the long months Pearl spends in Havana, Cuba, the closest she and her sister could get to their target destination when they set out from a newly Soviet Russia...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Beautiful story, vividly rendered, about the unbreakable spirit of a woman determined to make a better life for herself and her sisters.
I really enjoyed following Pearl as she grew more confident and began to reassess her own goals and dreams for the future. Even as she sacrificed for her family, she kept her eye on the target and kept moving forward as best she could.
The depictions of Prohibition-era Havana — from the low-income communities of recent Jewish immigrants all the way to the glitzy restaurants and racetracks frequented by American tourists — were rich and immersive, I loved it. But more than that, it’s Pearl’s determination that drives the story forward and pulls you in.
Thanks to the author, Harper Perennial, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Hotel Cuba is available May 1!
I really enjoyed following Pearl as she grew more confident and began to reassess her own goals and dreams for the future. Even as she sacrificed for her family, she kept her eye on the target and kept moving forward as best she could.
The depictions of Prohibition-era Havana — from the low-income communities of recent Jewish immigrants all the way to the glitzy restaurants and racetracks frequented by American tourists — were rich and immersive, I loved it. But more than that, it’s Pearl’s determination that drives the story forward and pulls you in.
Thanks to the author, Harper Perennial, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Hotel Cuba is available May 1!
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced