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When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

When We Left Cuba

by Chanel Cleeton

  • Readers' Rating (25):
  • Published:
  • Apr 2019, 368 pages
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There are currently 25 reader reviews for When We Left Cuba
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Anl

Recommend
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The interweaving of true historical events and fictional characters made for a great read. I wanted to pick it up again; and when I did it was uncomplicated and easy to do. Characters are well developed and realistic. Plot is believable. I was a child at the time but remember most events. And have many Cuban friends who will attest to its authenticity.
Carol P. (Tuscaloosa, AL)

First rate page turner
"When We Left Cuba: A Novel" is an excellent companion piece to Chanel Cleeton's previous novel, "Next Year in Havana", although it easily stands alone. The first person narrator, Beatriz, is embroiled in the emotions and politics of wealthy Palm Beach Cubans in 1960 who have been forced to leave everything behind in Havana, including the grave of her beloved twin brother, a casualty of Castro's revolution. The story offers an accurate and nuanced description of the political and social passions at work, interwoven with a compelling romance. Rich material for numerous discussions by a book group!

As a reader whomore
Susan B. (Hahira, GA)

The 60s
For those of us who grew up in the 60s in the days of Kennedy, Khrushchev, Batista, Che and Fidel this book will bring back many memories...For those of us who grew up in Miami or even the Northeast, where many flew to avoid the wrath of the revolution, this will bring back many memories.

Ms. Cleeton introduced readers to the Perez family in Next Year in Havana and now tells the tale of another of the daughters and the family's secrets. The intrigues of the revolution and those that were disappointed by it and how they were used by others with different agendas are illustrated with a depth of understanding thatmore
Amy M. (Rawlins, WY)

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
I was excited to read this book. Thank you for allowing my to give a first impression. I love historical novels. I received this book before the holidays so it did take me a little time before I could read it. Once I started this book I found it hard to put down! I thought it was beautifully written I loved the characters especially Beatriz. I loved how strong she was and how dedicated she was to her family and her country. It did not end how I thought it would, but I loved it! I want to go back and read her first novel about this family. I am looking forward to having our book club read this novel when it is mymore
LadyJ’s Bookish Nook

Excellent Historical Fiction
I am so glad I chose to review When We Left Cuba. This is my first read by author Chanel Cleeton, a USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana. This is the second book to the series but is able to be read as a stand-alone.

The protagonist is Beatriz Perez, a young Cuban exile who is now in Florida after losing her family, her people, and her country to the Cuban Revolution. Beatriz is set on revenge and ends up being recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle.

There are so many things I loved about this book. First the cover art was amazing. The protagonist was well-written. Beatrizmore
John W. (Saint Louis, MO)

Amazing Follow-up to Next Year in Havana
If you enjoyed Next Year in Havana you'll want to check this one out. If not, this book can be read as a stand-alone, but the first book is so good that you really don't want to miss it. Unlike many other readers of both books, I'm not big into romance novels, but loved the author's detail description the period in these historical fiction books. It is a thought provoking read on many levels.

This book begins after the Perez family was forced out of Cuba after Fidel Castro's took control of the government. Beatrix is still longing to return to Cuba and the life she loved. Unfortunately, like many of us she allowsmore
Evelyn G. (Union, NJ)

Life with Beatriz Perez
I dearly enjoyed reading "When We Left Cuba" and all the exploits of the undaunted Latina spitfire, Beatriz Perez. Her adventures carry us accurately through historical passages such as the Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis and Kennedy Assassination and I found myself quickly turning the pages and rooting Beatriz on through her escapades. A sizzling romance and tender love story add a softness to the fire of Ms. Perez. She rings so true in her love also for her lost Cuba and I found myself sympathizing with predicaments in a world she didn't want or ask for, but faces squarely up to when she is called to dealmore
Bridget C. (Devon, PA)

When We Left Cuba
The book got off to a slow start for me, but as the novel continued, the pace and complexity picked up. Initially it appeared to be a romance novel, but it was so much more. I enjoyed the development of Beatriz, the main character. While often conflicted, she kept true to her cause. A woman of extraordinary courage, she gave us a look at a very scary time in history. By telling a family's story we learned the history as well as the mood of that time. There were so many relationships and points of view to explore which made for a very good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I can't wait to go back and read Next Year in Havana.

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