Review: "When We Left Cuba" by Chanel Cleeton

Once again Ms. Cleeton visits the Perez Family for a glimpse into the past, both Cuba’s and their own. This story centers around Beatriz, the beautiful sister of the heroine in Next Year in Havana. The time period for this story centers around the late 50’s, early 60’s. Just like her sister, Beatriz has her own astonishing part in the revolution that will keep you entranced. Beatriz tells the story in her own words. She is now a mature woman, reminiscing on her stunning life and how she has arrived at this point. You hear her story in first person, allowing you to feel her pain and to share in her highs and lows as she goes thru life. I love this style, you feel as if you are sitting on a couch talking to her. I enjoyed this book as much, if not more than Next Year In Havana!! It felt like reconnecting with an old friend to catch up on their life. This can be read and enjoyed by teens to adults. You do not have to read Next Year in Havana to understand and enjoy this novel, but both are wonderful and I highly recommend them!!