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lyrareadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
The first two stories were delightful, full of playful and precise language that built vibrant worlds in minimal words. The third (and title) story fell flat.
lanagabriela99's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful collection of short stories set in the Telex From Cuba universe. It might help to read Telex From Cuba before reading this collection, since most of the settings and characters are the same, but I can see it also serving as a good kind of prologue to Telex From Cuba.
souslespaveslapage's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
chrispy's review
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bgg616's review against another edition
4.0
I am a fan of Rachel Kushner although I am discovering she is not loved by all. I didn't realize these stories were set primarily in Cuba but looking closely at the book jacket, the Cuban flag is recognizable. I read this in an hour. It is a portrayal of the decadent side of colonialism. One image that struck me was the French Nazi SS officer reflecting that the American Cadillacs roaming the streets of pre-revolution Cuba reminded him of the Nazis driving Mercedes through Paris. Chilling. While the time period is not defined, it can be estimated by the entrance of Batista (1940). The critical details is that this is post-Spanish American War and pre-Cuban Revolution of 1959. Rachel K is not the author, but coincidentally, as Kushner points out, has the same name. She was a prostitute found murdered in a Havana hotel room. A short book, full of intriguing details of the crimes of colonialism, and a portrayal of Havana I'd not seen before.
khakipantsofsex's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Genocide and Colonisation
djinnmartini's review against another edition
3.0
I recommend reading this INSTEAD of TELEX FROM CUBA. also had I known 2/3 of it was going to be early versions of that book I would've read it instead and probably enjoyed it more. anyway sorry to be cranky about it
agniguha01's review
4.0
A strange little book containing three stories that speak of a Cuban history - entangled with fact and fiction, colonialism, politics, corruption and so on.