When We Left Cuba

As I was reading Next Year in Havana (read my review here) last year, I was so intrigued by the fiery and outspoken sister, Beatriz, and hoped that we would get to hear her story.  

Well, I got my wish, and When We Left Cuba is all about Beatriz and what happened after her family was exiled from Cuba to southern Florida by the Castro regime in the 1960s.  

This striking story about a woman who makes it her mission to avenge her brother’s death and bring down the man responsible is riveting from beginning to end.

When We Left Cuba Summary

Beatriz’s tale is full of espionage, covert operations, and dangerous missions—but aside from her desire for revenge, she’s a woman who falls in love with a man who will never be able to leave his own sense of duty and obligation for her, she’s a woman who fights for her place in a society that looks down on her for being an outsider, and she’s a daughter who will never be a placid and demure wallflower looking to be taken care of by a husband. 

Beatriz is formidable and fierce and she doesn’t need a man to rescue her, thankyouverymuch.

Glamorous and Intriguing Historical Romance

Cleeton does such an amazing job of bringing both the United States and Cuba of the 1960s to life. The descriptions and imagery are vivid, the storytelling is sharp, and the characters pop off the page.  

There were a couple of places where the pacing felt heavy, but this is the kind of story where you can feel how much love and history has been poured into each chapter. 

If you love historical fiction with a side of glamour, romance, and intrigue, When We Left Cuba will be right up your alley and I highly recommend it.