Next Year in Havana: Reese's Book Club

"The story of a woman of Cuban descent and her beloved grandmother who lived through the insurrection that put Fidel Castro in power. Their lives have many parallels against the backdrop of Cubans’ history in Cuba and in the US. And above all, a romance novel. "

"Adding this to my list since i usually like the books Reese recommends 🤩"

"This book is absolutely amazing. The historical references are all true and it captivated me. I have since read almost all her other books in this series "

"so so, it didn’t give me what I wanted for Hispanic representation. To me the style didn’t match the culture? The revolution was great to read, the love story? Not so much "

"This story is told over two different timelines; Marisol in 2017 visiting Cuba in search of a spot to spread her grandmother's ashes and the grandmother Eliza in Havana 1958. Eliza retells her story through her written letters that have been found by Marisol. Depicting the living through a great revolution when President Baptista is over thrown and the take over of Fidel Castro. The author does a wonderful job of describing the settings and different monuments, the people's hardships the conflict and detailed political chaos Cuba finds itself in. Eliza an upper class daughter of a sugar barron falls in love with a revolutionist; forbidden love. Marisol also finds herself falling for one herself in the present day, (mimicking her grandmother's love story). <br/><br/>For me I didn't feel like the romance was very realistic or believable. Both love stories happens fairly quickly but there seemed to be a lack of spark or emotional connection. You hear the characters exchange "I love yous" but it feels so empty. In comparison to the detailed descriptions of the surroundings and regular actions (eg; he drags his glass across the table, I blink.)I kept wanting more on this love story but it fell short. It also dragged on for bits that read repetitive ( he's married 8x)I rolled my through these bits like ok, I get it. The story eventually unfolds although it was predictable and I had just enough of the plot I really didn't care to finish the last 3 chapters. Did they make it? I didn't really care. Lost my interest half way through the book, I made it nearly to the end Annd I had no more interest. Adios! <br/><br/> 3.5 stars. It just felt like the romance was penciled in to give the historical more interest."

"April - Islands - Cuba"

"I love when a book (historical fiction - my favorite genre) insires me to learn more. I researched more about Cuba and its history while reading this book. The stories from both generations were intriguing and would have even loved to know more about some characters."

"Good look in to life in Cuba"

"One of my all time favorite books. "

"I couldn't put this book down. Will definitely be reading again. "