Book Review: Next Year in Havana

Next Year in Havana
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Genre: Historical Fiction
Lori's Book Club Rating:  6 Thumbs Up!*

"A HELLO SUNSHINE x REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICK

'A beautiful novel that's full of forbidden passions, family secrets and a lot of courage and sacrifice.' — Reese Witherspoon

Back of Book Blurb
"Havana, 1958. The daughter of a sugar baron, nineteen-year-old Elisa Perez is part of Cuba's high society, where she is largely sheltered from the country's growing political unrest—until she embarks on a clandestine affair with a passionate revolutionary...

Miami, 2017. Freelance writer Marisol Ferrera grew up hearing romantic stories of Cuba from her late grandmother Elisa, who was forced to flee with her family during the revolution. Elisa's last wish was for Marisol to scatter her ashes in the country of her birth. Arriving in Havana, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba's tropical, timeless beauty and its perilous political climate. 

When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she'll need the lessons of her grandmother's past to help her understand the true meaning of courage." (From the book description on Amazon.com)

My Review
I wasn't all that interested in the idea of learning something new. I mean, typically I am a fan of learning things, but sometimes I just want to read a story that doesn't require me to think. So when this book was introduced I wasn't sure I would like it. HOWEVER, I was pleasantly surprised! Next Year in Havana is a wonderful novel based on the Cuban revolution which ran President Fulgencio Batista out of Cuba and replaced him with Fidel Castro in 1959. This is the fictional story of a wealthy sugar family in Cuba who was forced to flee their country when Castro came to power.  

Written in two timelines, the chapters alternate between the Perez family's escape from Cuba in 1958, and a present day decedent who discovers her family history and the events that brought her grandmother to America. This story gave me a better understanding of exactly how Castro came to power and why the Cuban people were, for the most part, accepting of the over-throw of their former government...at first. Not only did I learn something, I enjoyed the journey very much. 

This story is well researched and well written. Though most of my book club members agree it took about a hundred pages to really get into the story, we were all super glad we continued reading. At some point, mid book, this story becomes a real page turner.

If you like romance, suspense and history, this novel is worth your time. If you have read this book, tell us what you think in the comments. 


* Recommended by all six of the members of Lori's book club