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There are currently 23 member reviews
for Next Year in Havana
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Rosanne S. (Franklin Square, NY)
Next Year in Havana
This is a very timely book. There was a lot of news coming from Cuba today. While this novel starts after the death of Fidel (present day) much of it relates the Cuban history from Batista to Fidel. It gave the reader a very good impression of what it was like to live in Cuba during these very tough times. There was a romantic component both on the present day telling and in the reliving of the past. While I enjoyed this novel, I think I could have done with a bit less of the history. It seemed very heavy at times.
Overall I would recommend the book especially to historical fiction readers. It checks all the boxes and delivers well. It appears there is a sequel in the works. I'm not so sure I'd be interested.
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Elizabeth L. (Salem, OR)
Disappointing
I requested this book because my in-laws left Cuba much in the early 60s and I was curious to see a book written by someone who would have grown up like my husband.
I enjoyed the chapters narrated by Elisa. While the actions and words of the characters were dramatic, it was a dramatic time and they were at that dramatic age.
Despite some beautiful writing in places, I found the Marisol chapters to be a combination of overwrought statements and long exposition. For example, perhaps Varadero beach does have "the most beautiful clear water" but after so many "best evers" I was skeptical. The expository statements by Luis and Pablo were really quite fair in giving voice to why people stayed and what is like in Cuba today but they made the book seem like a history lesson.
I feel the author would have been better served focusing on the story.
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