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A review by bickie
Letters from Cuba by Ruth Behar
4.0
Based on her grandmother's experience (though fictionalized) and told through "letters" written to Esther's sister, Malka, who is still in Poland. The letters are written in an old accounting ledger to be shared with Malka when she finally comes to Cuba. At times, there is explanation in what are essentially journal entries that seem unlikely but helpful for any reader who is not an observant Jew.
There is a constant feeling of unease, wondering whether different characters will cheat Esther and Avrum, her father, as they work hard to make enough money to bring Esther's mother, Hannah, Malka, three brothers and Bubbe to Cuba. There is also beautiful depiction of Cuba and strong community made of people from different cultures and religions. There is Ma Felipa, born into slavery, and her West African rituals, Juan and Francisco Chang, who are immigrants from China and point out that there were Chinese workers in the sugar mills as well, and Doctor Pablo, and atheist, and his wife, Señora Graciela, who lost a child to leukemia.
Full of love and optimism while addressing cruelty and injustice.
There is a constant feeling of unease, wondering whether different characters will cheat Esther and Avrum, her father, as they work hard to make enough money to bring Esther's mother, Hannah, Malka, three brothers and Bubbe to Cuba. There is also beautiful depiction of Cuba and strong community made of people from different cultures and religions. There is Ma Felipa, born into slavery, and her West African rituals, Juan and Francisco Chang, who are immigrants from China and point out that there were Chinese workers in the sugar mills as well, and Doctor Pablo, and atheist, and his wife, Señora Graciela, who lost a child to leukemia.
Full of love and optimism while addressing cruelty and injustice.