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There are currently 22 member reviews
for When We Left Cuba
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Shawna (TX)
Revenge, Patriotism, & Love
Beatriz Perez's desire to return to Cuba and a new life in Palm Beach set the stage for her involvement in events in the early 1960s. An engaging and compelling story set in a seldom written about time in history makes this book hard to put down. Beatriz's choices will give groups several topics to discuss. If you enjoyed Next Year in Havana, this stand alone novel featuring Beatriz Perez will hook you from the first chapter and if you haven't read it, you are about to discover a great new writer of historical fiction!
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Lani S. (Narberth, PA)
One to watch!
When I finished Next Year in Havana, I had hoped that Cleeton would write another novel regarding Cuba. We can now jump for joy that Beatrice Perez is back in action, entertaining us with her fiery strong character and passionate beliefs. Whereas the previous book focused more on the revolution, this novel is equally part romance, espionage, and the events subsequent to the revolution and its fallout.
Truthfully I was afraid that the romantic aspects of the novel would weaken the strength of the historical and familial aspects but that was far from the truth. Her writing is taut, crisp and contributes to making this a solid entry onto one's
"keeper" shelf.
Though it can be read as a stand alone, the reader will find more satisfaction and depth if one reads the previous novel first. In this story, Beatrice becomes involved with a senator, while willfully objecting to her mother's plans to marry her off into high society. This independent woman is not to be trifled with and has never relinquished her anger at the brutal murder of her twin brother in Cuba. She vows to return one day while imagining how she can help fight the Fidel regime.
Mesmerizing in its plot and scope, this compelling read is sure to be on everyone's lists and bring a smile to one's face reflecting on this spirited and brave heroine.
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Lucy S. (Westford, MA)
Suspenseful, romantic - hard to put down
Story of familial pride, pride in country, love and loss, historical information woven in with our turbulent history with Cuba. The main character, Beatriz was ahead of her time and hers was a story of courage, but at the same time, sad for what was lost.
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Cassandra E. (Bonita Springs, FL)
When We Left Cuba
I enjoyed the book. However it was more romance than I prefer. I wish that the book had more details on the CIA and the plans of invasion. I know that Beatriz like alot of Cubans that had to leave wanted to go home. Like the Perez family who had the means to leave wanted to go back and resume their lives. The others had to stay. I enjoy thriller books and not romance. This had too much romance with a side of espionage.
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Carol N. (San Jose, CA)
"A Fine Romance"
Chanel Cleeton's "When We Left Cuba" is the continuing saga of the exiled Perez sisters of her first book, "Next Year in Havana." Unconventional Beatriz is the heroine, avenging her losses, aiding her homeland while carving out a more independent role for herself. It is the story of a woman's fight to reclaim her country against all odds, not matter what the cost is. Cleeton has created an unforgettable story filled with historic events, espionage, and a Kennedy-liked romance. She has included enough twist and turns to keep a reader hanging until the very last page. Her love story is one for the ages and provide the reader with one gem of a book to enjoy.
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Sharon A. (Tierra Verde, FL)
A Glimpse of Cuba
I chose this book because of the subject matter, not having read much about Cuba in the 1960's. For me, weaving the heavy romance aspect into the plot took away some of the historical part of the story, but perhaps made for more interesting reading for others. The characters were interesting and the writing style made for an easy read. The Castro plot would have been better with more historical significance written into the story. The family dynamics and love affair were the backbone of the book, more so than the history. Overall it was a good read and I learned some possible interesting and thought provoking historical information. The book made me want to read more about this era.
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Dorothy H. (Folsom, CA)
Cuban Exile story circa late 50s
A young female Cuban exile has come to Miami area with her family. Her story begins when Castro took over Cuba and the impact it had on her life as well as her family. She presents a Cuban side of The Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK assassination. She is the lover of a Senator and works for the CIA. A Good read. Good for book club. I liked the readers questions.
