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A review by sunlit_music
A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
This book is so beautifully moving and uplifting, I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle, tender book that will lift their spirits.
Characters: Characters are all realistic and well written. I love how Lila is strong, warm, caring, and how proud of her Cuban heritage she is. I also love her warm and supportive family, and how she makes new, strong friendships in England. Orion is also a great love interest - funny, kind, likeable, and empathic. I also love that Orion respects Lila's choices and freedom, he doesn't force her to choose between him and her family, and says so.
I like the nuanced portrayals of each character - they're flawed, but working towards being better people. Lila has to work through losing her best friend, and breaking up with her boyfriend Andres. Her ex best friend and ex boyfriend are portrayed as flawed people trying to do better and be kinder.
Also loved Orion's sister Flora - seeing her character growth after becoming closer to Lila is so amazing, Flora is so underrated!
I'm so grateful the author tactfully writes about grief and bereavement. Lila is recovering from her beloved grandmother's death, while Orion is struggling with his mother having early onset dementia.
Despite the heavy themes in the book, this book is so loving and sweet. It really feels like a comfort book that I can re-read, over and over again.
Plot: The plot is believable and extremely moving. It's great seeing how Lila gets used to living in England, and I'm happy that she doesn't have to give up her friendships in England or her family in America.
Prose: is fantastic, and I LOVE the amazing cooking and food descriptions! They sound so delicious!
Ending: the ending is sweet and uplifting, and makes me feel hopeful about these characters' futures. :)
I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a warm hearted, compassionate and thoughtful book with characters you'll love.
Characters: Characters are all realistic and well written. I love how Lila is strong, warm, caring, and how proud of her Cuban heritage she is. I also love her warm and supportive family, and how she makes new, strong friendships in England. Orion is also a great love interest - funny, kind, likeable, and empathic. I also love that Orion respects Lila's choices and freedom, he doesn't force her to choose between him and her family, and says so.
I like the nuanced portrayals of each character - they're flawed, but working towards being better people. Lila has to work through losing her best friend, and breaking up with her boyfriend Andres. Her ex best friend and ex boyfriend are portrayed as flawed people trying to do better and be kinder.
Also loved Orion's sister Flora - seeing her character growth after becoming closer to Lila is so amazing, Flora is so underrated!
I'm so grateful the author tactfully writes about grief and bereavement. Lila is recovering from her beloved grandmother's death, while Orion is struggling with his mother having early onset dementia.
Despite the heavy themes in the book, this book is so loving and sweet. It really feels like a comfort book that I can re-read, over and over again.
Plot: The plot is believable and extremely moving. It's great seeing how Lila gets used to living in England, and I'm happy that she doesn't have to give up her friendships in England or her family in America.
Prose: is fantastic, and I LOVE the amazing cooking and food descriptions! They sound so delicious!
Ending: the ending is sweet and uplifting, and makes me feel hopeful about these characters' futures. :)
I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a warm hearted, compassionate and thoughtful book with characters you'll love.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Dementia, and Grief