Many of you know I am a sucker for historical fiction and the 1950s. Sprinkle in one part Cuban revolution and two parts strong female leads, and we have the perfect recipe; the Cuba Libre of books if you will.

Elisa is anything but your typical 19 year old – heiress to a Cuban sugar fortune, connoisseur of Parisian fashion and debutante primed to fulfill a life of hosting lavish dinner parties (despite her expensive and extensive education). Her family’s future is suddenly derailed when the Cuban Revolution comes knocking at Havana’s door. Elisa’s father is caught on the wrong side of the revolution, and he is forced to make the difficult decision: to wait it out in Cuba or escape to Miami and leave the life his ancestors built behind.

Fast-forward nearly seventy years, Elisa’s granddaughter, Marisol, travels to Cuba for the first time. She is there to sprinkle Elisa’s ashes per very specific parting wishes. Marisol was raised by Elisa, yet quickly discovers her grandmother’s secret past and the life she left behind. During her quest for the truth, Marisol finds a part of herself in Havana.

This book was beautifully written. The prose painted the perfect picture of Cuba then and now. I loved the two smart, brave, female protagonists who both navigate their way through unimaginable circumstances. I have read a number of great books lately, but this one I was so immersed I could not wait to find out what happened next.

Verdict: Read it!! (5/5 stars)
Length: 361 pages
When: You love historical fiction and the 1950s and are intrigued by Cuba.
Quote: “Only those who have feared they will lose everything feel true gratitude for their lucky lives.”
Also Read: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall (B2C review)

Buy Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton