Book Review: When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

“Dreams never die all at once. They die in pieces, floating a little farther and farther away each day.”

Chanel Cleeton, When We Left Cuba

Review:

Set during the Cuban Missile Crisis era, When We Left Cuba is a blend of espionage and romance. Beatriz, a Cuban exile, is pulled into CIA operations against Fidel Castro. Through this work, she meets Nick, a senator from Florida. Her involvement with him adds even more risk on top of already dangerous work.

I found myself far more interested in the CIA/Castro parts of the story than the romance. Partially a personal preference, but I didn’t see much draw between the characters aside from adding a layer of the forbidden. In contrast to the political intrigue, I found them dull. I also struggled with the repetitions in the writing, noticeably reusing the same phrases and sentiments. 

I didn’t realize until I was a third of the way into this book that it’s the second in a series. It reads fine as a standalone, but I do prefer to start a series from the beginning if I’m able.

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The deeper look at the Cuban Missile Crisis and the espionage.
• Followed a good historical timeline.

What I didn’t like:

• Rooted too deeply in infidelity.
• The characters could have had more depth.

Afterthoughts:

I may or may not backtrack to the first book in the series. It was okay, but I don’t find myself interested in continuing.

Where to buy the book: