Broken Paradise: A Novel
by Cecilia Samartin
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Book Summary Information
Author: Cecilia SamartinEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-02-19
ISBN: 1416550399
Number of pages: 368
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Book Reviews of Broken Paradise: A Novel
Book Review: A treasure for those who love Cuba...
Summary: 5 Stars
Beautifully descriptive, Broken Paradise truly captures the essence of life in Cuba before Castro. And, through our author's careful research, what it was like afterward. Through the eyes of two little girls of privilege, you experience the familial warmth in their lives in what was then, an enchanted paradise. How quickly it fell apart. Out of virtually nowhere, came this charismatic individual, promising to lift the bonds of the tyrannical Batista - the answer to making Cuba the perfect paradise. We're led through the confusion of those times - understanding why there were those who believed everything they wanted to hear, and there were those who were suspicious. Soon it became clear where this leader intended to take their country, and the exodus began. This was an engrossing story; so much of it was grounded in truth. It was easy to walk side by side with the characters, whose hopes and fears quickly became your own. This was a page turner for me - I sat up late to see how it would end. There were a few stretches of the imagination, but, all in all, this was a great story!
Have you been to Cuba? If you have, then you MUST read it, as Broken Paradise will take you back and allow you to see the expanses of silky, white sand, the turquoise waters, the forever blue skies and the lazy palms. Everyone should experience Cuba - and this book will take you there!
Summary of Broken Paradise: A Novel
Cuba, 1956: Cousins Nora and Alicia are accustomed to living among Havana's privileged class -- but their lavish dinners, days at the beach, and extravagant dances come to an end after Castro's rise to power. Food becomes scarce, religion is forbidden, and disease runs rampant. Although Alicia stays behind while Nora emigrates to the United States, both of their identities are challenged as they try to adapt to the changes forced upon them. As the situation in Cuba deteriorates, Alicia is beset by bad fortune, while Nora -- whose heart is still in Cuba -- painfully assimilates into middle-class U.S. culture. Letters between the cousins track their lives until Alicia's situation becomes so difficult that Nora is forced to return and help. But what she finds in Cuba is like nothing she ever imagined.Told with wrenching insight into the tender balance between the hope and grief that shapes the immigrant heart, Broken Paradise is an extraordinarily powerful novel about passion, love, and the heart's yearning for home.
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