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Reader Reviews
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Karen S. (Allston, MA)
Stories within Stories I found the story of Eva and the other characters during the time of Cuban revolution and turmoil very engaging. Perhaps the current turmoil in the US government enhanced my appreciation for the stories related the main story of Eva's interesting life. In the past, I have read fiction and non-fiction from various political perspectives related to this time in Cuban/US history, and enjoyed this author's perspective from that era.
I am frequently drawn into the tales of people who love books and the use of books (not just the stories) as a vehicle for the unfolding drama. This book offered that appealing element as well.
I enjoyed Cleeton's writing style, and will look her other work.
Susan R. (Greensboro, NC)
Cuba This beautifully well written novel follows three women in different time periods whose lives have intersected over a book written in Cuba in the early 1900s. Only one copy of the book was printed and someone wants to find it before it goes up for auction.
1900 - Boston and Cuba. Eva is teacher who is sent from Cuba to America during the summer of 1900 to attend and exchange of ideas at Harvard. Her country is trying to become a free country and she wants to do her part to help. She has been working on writing a novel for years and believes that she will have some free time during the summer to work on her book. Then she meets a man who sweeps her off her feet. Instead if spending time on her book, she spends every available minute with him. After the tumultuous outcome of their affair, Eva finally writes her novel hoping that he will read it. That book is what ties all three women together.
1966 Havana. Pilar is a librarian. Life isn't safe in Cuba during this time period. Fidel Castro is in charge and punishing anyone who speaks against him. Pilar should be safe but after her husband was arrested, she began to feel like she was being watched. A friend in her apartment building is getting ready to flee Cuba and brings Pilar a copy of The Lost Story to her in hopes that she can find the author and return the book to her. She is still being watched and someone in the government knows that she is hiding books for people to keep them safe. How much danger is she willing to put herself into by trying to protect the books.
2024 London. Margo owns a company that looks for lost things. When she is hired to find The Lost Story, she isn't sure why the book is important to the person who hired her but begins her search. Soon her life is in danger and she's being followed. She has no idea why this book is important and when someone who was helping her gets killed, she decides that maybe she should stop. Her ex-husband begins to help her but as they get closer to finding the book, the danger to both of them increases.
The story is told in alternating chapters by all three women. The author did a fantastic job and there's no confusion about any of the women and you always know which time period you are in. She also melds all three stories seamlessly for the ending. I not only enjoyed the story but learned a lot about Cuban history while I was reading. This book is another great book from Chanel Cleeton.
Linda M. (Ocala, FL)
The Comfort of Books Having already read two books by Chanel Cleeton, I was excited to receive a copy of her latest, his book was even better than I had anticipated and resonated with me because one of the main themes is our love for books and the impact they make on our lives.
The book setting occurs in three different time periods and sheds light on several important moments in the history of Cuba. I think anyone who likes reading historical fiction will especially enjoy this book as would most book clubs. I stayed up late reading The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes and look forward to reading more books by this author
Wanda T. (The Villages, FL)
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes This historical fiction revolves around a missing novel that holds secrets about its author, Eva Fuentes. It is written in 3 time periods: about Margo in This historical fiction revolves around a missing novel that holds secrets about its author, Eva Fuentes. It is written in 3 time periods: about Margo in 2024, Pilar in 1966 and Eva in 1900.
Margo is hired to find a missing novel, Pilar is entrusted with the novel during the political upheaval in Cuba by Fidel Castro and Eva wrote the novel one summer while in America. The lives of these 3 women become intertwined as the story progresses but not without murder, trauma, intrigue and eventually gratification for mystery solved. Historical fiction novels always spur me on to read more about the history involved in the story.
You will find out why Eva was in America one particular summer. I have read all of Chanel Cleeton's novels and she never disappoints!!
Beth M. (Westhampton Beach, NY)
Three interconnected timelines about saving a book. I loved this book. The characters are so well written and the story is compelling. I couldn't put it down. You really care about each woman and need to keep reading to find out what happens. Plus if you love historical fiction this book is for you.
This quote summarizes the beauty of this book: "there is something about books that brought people together, a passion, a devotion that created an intimate bond and understanding… they linked readers in unforgettable ways. Sharing a favorite book was like creating a shared history between people who had navigated the life and the world that existed within.
Joanne W. (Ossining, NY)
A novel tells the story Once you get sorted with the three time periods/voices the book moves quickly. I especially enjoyed the voice of Eva, a young, naive Cuban teacher having the adventure of a lifetime as a summer student at Harvard. Her story was well drawn and compelling. Margo our present day narrator had a complex story and interesting life.
The author meshed their story and created the center of the story. With Pilar, the third voice, we get the insight into Cuban life during a time of great strife and difficulty. And at the core of the book lies the heartfelt novel written by Eva as a way to deal with the trauma that played out after her summer in the US.
Definitely enjoyed and would recommend to lovers of novels with strong female characters and historical fiction.
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