The Old Man and the Sea
Earnest Hemingway
By American Author (Illinois)
Setting: Cuba
Genres:
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: resilience, courage, loss, personal triumph, struggle, survival, cultural representation
Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea stands as a pinnacle of American literature, capturing the essence of human resilience through the story of an aging Cuban fisherman and his epic battle against nature.
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Hemingway introduces us to Santiago, an old fisherman who has endured a long stretch of bad luck. Far from the comforts of shore, he embarks on a relentless quest to catch a giant marlin in the treacherous waters of the Gulf Stream. This is not merely a tale of fishing; it is a profound exploration of courage, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of man facing insurmountable odds.
With the simplicity and power of a fable, Hemingway weaves themes of defeat and triumph, illustrating how personal victories can emerge from the depths of loss. Written in 1952, The Old Man and the Sea solidified Hemingway's stature in the literary world, contributing to his receipt of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954. This enduring classic invites readers to reflect on their own battles and the resilience that resides within us all.
Join Santiago on his unforgettable journey, and discover why this novella continues to resonate with readers across generations, reminding us of the strength found in struggle and the beauty of the human spirit.
Chanel Cleeton
Next Year in Havana
By Cuban American Author
Setting: Cuba + Florida
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: mental health, diversity, cultural representation, grief/loss, espionage, revenge, forbidden love, identity.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Florida, When We Left Cuba follows Beatriz Perez, a young Cuban exile whose life is shattered by the Cuban Revolution. Stripped of her family, people, and homeland, Beatriz's thirst for revenge leads her to join the CIA, aiming to penetrate Fidel Castro's inner circle. As she navigates the dangerous world of espionage and Cuban American politics during the Cold War, Beatriz is torn between her past and a future fraught with peril. Her heart becomes ensnared in a forbidden romance with a powerful man whose ambitions could either bolster her mission or cause her downfall. In this thrilling tale of love, loss, and resilience, Beatriz faces a critical choice that could cost her everything, including the island she adores and the man who has captured her heart.
New Adult/Adult Cuba: Standalones
Indulge in our curated selection of standalone novels that celebrate the complex, lyrical beauty of the Cuban spirit. From the cobblestone streets of old Havana to the vibrant heart of the diaspora, these adult and new adult stories by acclaimed Cuban and Cuban American authors offer a deeply inviting look into the island’s rich legacy.
Graham greene
By British Author
Genres: Historical Spy Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation: Humor, espionage, absurdity; Themes: deception, identity, the absurdity of bureaucracy, satire of Cold War politics.
Adapted into the iconic 1959 film starring Alec Guinness, this Telegraph Top 20 Spy Novel of All Time is a whirlwind of "high-comic mayhem . . . [and] bizarrely prescient" storytelling (Christopher Buckley, New York Times bestselling author).
In the vibrant streets of Havana, James Wormold, a struggling vacuum cleaner salesman, seizes a chance to change his fortunes when British Intelligence recruits him as an undercover agent. With no real espionage experience, Wormold fabricates intelligence reports to maintain his new role, sketching imaginary weapons resembling vacuum parts and inventing operatives. His charade spirals into chaos when MI6 sends someone to assess his work, and his web of lies starts to unravel. The absurdity escalates dangerously as Wormold becomes an assassination target, forcing him to navigate a deadly game of survival. In a hilariously dark journey, Wormold confronts the blurred lines between reality and fiction, embracing the world of espionage he once faked to survive the chaos he created.
By Cuban American Author
Settings: Cuba + Florida
Genres: Historical Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: mental health, diversity, cultural representation, grief/loss, espionage, revenge, forbidden love, identity.
When We Left Cuba
Chanel Cleeton
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Florida, When We Left Cuba follows Beatriz Perez, a young Cuban exile whose life is shattered by the Cuban Revolution. Stripped of her family, people, and homeland, Beatriz's thirst for revenge leads her to join the CIA, aiming to penetrate Fidel Castro's inner circle. As she navigates the dangerous world of espionage and Cuban American politics during the Cold War, Beatriz is torn between her past and a future fraught with peril. Her heart becomes ensnared in a forbidden romance with a powerful man whose ambitions could either bolster her mission or cause her downfall. In this thrilling tale of love, loss, and resilience, Beatriz faces a critical choice that could cost her everything, including the island she adores and the man who has captured her heart.
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Chanel Cleeton
The Cuban Heiress
By Cuban American Author
Setting: Cuba
Genres: Historical Mystery
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: mental health, diversity, cultural representation, betrayal, revenge, survival, justice
In 1934, the SS Morro Castle becomes the backdrop for a gripping tale of survival as two women's pasts converge on a journey from New York to Havana. Bestselling author Chanel Cleeton crafts a captivating narrative inspired by true events. Catherine Dohan, a New York heiress hiding a dark secret, finds her world unraveling as the ship sails, forcing her to ally with a charming jewel thief to uncover threats against her. Meanwhile, Elena Palacio, presumed dead and driven by revenge, sees the voyage as her last chance for redemption. As danger mounts, Catherine and Elena must confront their pasts and fight for justice, bound by an unbreakable sisterhood. Dive into The Cuban Heiress for a thrilling adventure of intrigue and betrayal.
The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba
Chanel Cleeton
By Cuban American Author
Setting: Cuba + New York
Genres: Historical Fiction mixed with Nonfiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: mental health, women's empowerment, diversity, cultural representation, resilience, activism, historical fiction
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Gilded Age New York City, Chanel Cleeton's The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba is a tale of courage, ambition, and the revolutionary spirit inspired by Evangelina Cisneros, whose fight for freedom altered history. As newspaper titans William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer clash, young journalist Grace Harrington navigates a ruthless industry in 1896, landing a pivotal role at Hearst's paper. Evangelina, imprisoned in Havana, becomes a symbol for Cuban independence when Hearst publicizes her plight, igniting a movement. As tensions escalate, Grace joins forces with Marina Perez, a courageous courier aiding revolutionaries, in a daring mission to rescue Evangelina. Amidst brutal reconcentration camps and the explosion of the USS Maine, the stakes rise as these women risk everything for freedom. Cleeton's gripping narrative celebrates the unyielding spirit of women challenging the status quo, a testament to hope and sisterhood.
A Night at the Tropicana
Chanel Cleeton
By Cuban American Author
Genres: Historical Romance
Short Story
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: Cuban-American identity, family heritage, political unrest, love and romance, courage, cultural exploration, grief and loss
Next Year in Havana unfolds a captivating dual narrative, intertwining the lives of Marisol Ferrera and her grandmother Elisa Perez across generations and continents. After her grandmother's passing, Marisol, a Cuban-American writer, journeys to Havana to fulfill Elisa's last wish of scattering her ashes in her homeland. This journey transforms into a quest for identity and truth, set against the backdrop of Cuba in 1958, where nineteen-year-old Elisa, the daughter of a sugar baron, faces political unrest and a forbidden romance that challenges her privileged life.
In 2017, Marisol arrives in Havana, drawn into her family's past and uncovering secrets that redefine her understanding of courage and resilience. Her encounter with a mysterious man further intertwines with her family's legacy. Through the experiences of both women, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the spirit of family, as Marisol learns from Elisa's past, embarking on a transformative journey to embrace her roots and forge her own path.
Next Year in Havana is a tale that weaves the past and present, celebrating identity, resilience, and the unbreakable ties to our ancestors.
Mambo Kings series:
Book 1: The Mambo Kings: Play Songs of Love
Book 2: Beautiful Maria of My Soul
Oscar Hijuelos
By Cuban American Author
Settings: Cuba and New York
Genres: Historical Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Cultural representation, diversity, identity, music, nostalgia, love, family, triumph and tragedy.
Step into the vibrant world of 1950s New York City with Oscar Hijuelos's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love. This international bestseller tells the captivating story of two Cuban musician brothers, the Castillo brothers, who navigate the exhilarating landscape of mambo music and the American dream.
In 1949, as the rhythms of mambo pulse through the air, the Castillo brothers leave behind their home in Havana, embarking on a journey that will transform their lives. By day, they toil in humble jobs, but by night, they become the stars of the dance halls, captivating audiences with their orchestra's lush, sensuous melodies. This is a golden era brimming with youth, exuberance, love, and the intoxicating sense of freedom that defines their experience in the bustling metropolis.
Hijuelos masterfully paints a portrait of the brothers, their families, and their fellow musicians, weaving together tales of triumph and tragedy that resonate with nostalgia. The novel immerses readers in a rich tapestry of sights and sounds, encapsulating an unsung moment in American life that celebrates cultural fusion and the quest for identity.
Since its publication in 1989, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love has garnered exuberant acclaim, earning Hijuelos the distinction of being the first Hispanic recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1990. Its themes remain timeless and relevant, ensuring that this beloved story continues to resonate with readers today. Join the Castillo brothers on their unforgettable journey through music, love, and the pursuit of dreams—a classic that transcends generations.
New Adult/Adult Cuba: Series
Settle in with an exquisite collection of multi-book series that dive deep into the heart of Cuba and its far-reaching diaspora. These immersive narratives by gifted Cuban and Cuban American authors allow you to linger in beautifully rendered landscapes across generations. From historical sagas to contemporary dramas, these adult and new adult tales invite you to follow beloved characters through long-lasting journeys of heritage and discovery.