Tropical Tapestries: A Woven Story of Cuba's Literary Landscape
- Mikayla Young
- Jan 19
- 6 min read
Cuba is not just a sun-soaked paradise; it is a wellspring of literary brilliance. The island, renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, is home to stories that capture the resilience and spirit of its people. In this blog post, we will explore an engaging selection of books set in Cuba, those authored by Cuban writers, and genres spanning children's literature to adult novels. Dive into a literary journey that unveils the profound experiences and unique perspectives embedded in Cuban writing.
Children and Middle Grade Books
Cuban Setting and Author
Genres: Historical Fiction
Novel
Ages: 6+
The Red Umbrella tells the poignant story of 14-year-old Lucía Álvarez, who is uprooted from her carefree life in Cuba amidst Fidel Castro's revolution and sent to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan. With over 14,000 children facing a similar fate, Lucía's parents make the agonizing decision to send her and her brother away to escape the oppressive regime. Suddenly living in Nebraska with strangers, Lucía grapples with adapting to a new culture and language while yearning for her home and family. This narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the essence of home as Lucía navigates her uncertain future.
Cuban Setting and Author
Genres: Nonfiction, Poetry (Verse)
Memoir
Ages: 6+
Margarita is caught between two worlds: her heart belongs to Cuba, her mother's vibrant island, yet she resides in the bustling city of Los Angeles, dreaming of summers on the island. Her solace lies in words and images amidst school loneliness. However, a revolution in Cuba shatters her peace, and the Bay of Pigs Invasion intensifies the conflict between her beloved countries. Torn by their animosity, Margarita fears for her family and wonders if she'll ever return to her cherished island.
Cuban Author
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction
Novel
Ages: 8+
The Last Beekeeper tells the story of twelve-year-old Yolanda Cicerón, who battles to save the world's last beehive from extinction amid a climate-ravaged environment and exploitative humans. In a future marred by climate disasters, Yoly fears nature, facing a harsh life in the Valley with failed crops and dangerous creatures. She dreams of moving to Silo, a technologically advanced town, but must prove her worth. When her family can no longer afford her education, Yoly takes charge, uncovering threats within Silo that endanger the Valley. As secrets unravel, Yoly and her loved ones face great danger, with the survival of the Valley possibly hinging on the rediscovery of the honeybee. Can the last beehive save the Valley from Silo's control, or will it destroy Yoly's future?
Young Adult Books
Cuban Author
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 16+
Isabelle Warren, a private school student, first encounters Dominican-American Alex Rosario on the downtown 1 train, noting his green eyes and gentlemanly demeanor. Alex remembers her seemingly carefree happiness and her long dancer legs. Over three years of subway meetings, Isabelle learns of Alex's conflict with his father, who insists on a baseball career for Alex, despite his own dreams of college and poetry. Meanwhile, Alex discovers Isabelle's challenges with her unstable mother, who harbors prejudice against Latino men. Their paths intertwine when Isabelle needs Alex most, in a heartfelt romantic drama reminiscent of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen's works.
Cuba Setting
Genres: Fiction
Novel
Ages: 16+
Violet Paz, who just turned 15, faces the cultural clash of her Cuban and Polish heritage as she reluctantly agrees to her grandmother’s plans for a quinceañero. Despite feeling fully American, Violet knows little about her Cuban roots or the significance of a quinceañero. As she navigates family tensions over Cuba and Fidel Castro, Violet seeks to form her own opinions, even if it means confronting her family. Embracing her Cuban heritage becomes a part of her journey into womanhood in Nancy Osa’s debut novel.
Cuban Setting and Author
Genres: Historical Fiction, Poetry (verse)
Novel
Ages: 14+
In nineteenth-century Cuba, opposing slavery was perilous, yet poets like Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, known as Tula, bravely used metaphor to veil their abolitionist messages. Tula stood out as the boldest, crafting passionate and accessible verses. She was a book-loving feminist who defied an arranged marriage at fourteen and courageously fought against injustice. This tribute includes historical notes, excerpts, and source notes, celebrating her fearless spirit and literary contributions.
Adult Books
Cuban Setting and Author
Genres: Historical Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 18+
Hello Sunshine x Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
A Cuban-American woman embarks on a journey to Havana after her grandmother's death, uncovering her roots and a long-buried family secret from the revolution. In 1958, Elisa Perez, daughter of a sugar baron, navigates Cuba's high society and a secret romance with a revolutionary. In 2017, Marisol Ferrera, a freelance writer, fulfills her grandmother Elisa's wish to scatter her ashes in Cuba, confronting the island's beauty and political tensions. As Marisol delves into her family's past, she finds herself drawn to a man with his own secrets, learning the true meaning of courage from her grandmother's legacy.
Cuban Setting
Genres: Historical Fiction, Contemporary
Novel
Ages: 18+
A Good Morning America Book Club Pick
A Roxane Gay Book Club Pick
A Buzzfeed Book Club Pick
In Miami, Jeanette grapples with addiction while seeking to uncover her family history from her Cuban immigrant mother, Carmen. She impulsively takes in a neighbor's daughter after the neighbor is detained by ICE. Carmen, dealing with her own displacement trauma, navigates her strained relationship with Jeanette. Jeanette's journey to Cuba to meet her grandmother reveals hidden family secrets. Gabriela Garcia's "Of Women and Salt" spans from 19th-century cigar factories to modern detention centers, weaving a tale of personal and political betrayals that shape the lives of remarkable women. It explores maternal choices, memory legacies, and the resilience of women who voice their truths against silencing forces, offering a profound reflection on America's intricate human roots.
Cuban Setting
Genres: Historical Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
In FIND ME IN HAVANA, the bestselling author of THE GIRLS WITH NO NAMES presents a poignant historical novel that delves into the life of Estelita Rodriguez, a celebrated Hispanic actress, and her daughter Nina's quest for closure. Set against the backdrop of the American Dream, this heart-wrenching tale unfolds through letters, capturing the indomitable spirit of a mother-daughter bond. From Estelita's debut at a Havana nightclub at age nine to her rise in Hollywood, her journey is marked by resilience amidst personal and political upheavals. Decades later, Nina confronts her mother's mysterious death, unraveling the sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams. Based on true events and enriched by interviews with Estelita’s daughter, this narrative intertwines two powerful voices, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery.
Reading Prompts Inspired by Cuba
As you embark on this literary journey through Cuban literature, consider these reading prompts to enhance your experience:
Explore Cultural Traditions: Choose a book that highlights a Cuban festival or tradition. Reflect on how cultural practices shape characters' lives and decisions.
Character Perspectives: Read a novel with multiple points of view, like Dreaming in Cuban. Analyze how these varying perspectives enrich the story.
Imagery and Setting: Select a book that takes place in a specific Cuban location. Write a descriptive piece based on your impressions of that setting, focusing on its sights and sounds.
Historical Context: Research Cuba's history alongside a fiction or nonfiction title depicting a specific era. Compile your thoughts on how history influences the characters' lives.
Culinary Journeys: Find a book that references Cuban food, then plan a family dinner night around a meal featured in the text.
The Literary Essence of Cuba
Cuba's literary landscape weaves together diverse voices and experiences into a rich tapestry of stories. The literature stemming from and about this island not only reflects cultural richness but also invites readers into a world teeming with resilience, love, and complexity. From enchanting children's tales to deep adult narratives, these works echo with hope, conflict, and the unwavering spirit of its people.
As you explore these literary gems, let Cuba's essence inspire your reading journey. May the stories you encounter be filled with the rhythms of Havana, the beauty of its beaches, and the vibrancy of Cuban life. Grab a book, prepare a refreshing drink, and embark on your own adventure through Cuba’s literary realms.
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