Scan barcode
clothespin's review against another edition
4.0
This fictional account of the lives of a few people going through the political and social upheavals of Cuba in the mid-1900... I loved seeing how life was in Havana and the occasional references to the Dominican Republic (where I once lived)... It was an interesting story rich in history that made me feel as if I were back in the islands... A very nice read.
lisamshardlow's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my god, this was so good! It grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn't let go. It was also very emotional and I admit that I shed a little tear. It was passionate, funny in places, quite terrifying and tragic in others, but above all a really good story! I loved Patricio and Gloria, hated Cesar and his stupid little sister Marita. I really love a book that makes you feel all sorts of different emotions, and this did just that. Oh, and I also really loved the descriptions of Havana, Cuba.
seattlehols16's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, and Grief
yada_perez's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised with this book , I ended up liking it more than I though I would ! I thought it was going to be boring and about the history of Cuba but it was such a cute love story. After I got over the fact she was only 14 and her family forced her to marry..
odmay's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book which is set before and during the revolution in Cuba, and is a combination of an intense romance and historic fiction.
Historic fiction is one of my favourite genres and thus enjoyed reading about everyday life and historic figures in a bygone era. I particularly like reading about the department store and the luxury, which reflected a divided society in that era. The romance part which was a bit drawn out, taking place over many years, and too contrived for my liking.
Overall I did like this book and recommend it to readers who enjoy historic fiction and world literature.
Historic fiction is one of my favourite genres and thus enjoyed reading about everyday life and historic figures in a bygone era. I particularly like reading about the department store and the luxury, which reflected a divided society in that era. The romance part which was a bit drawn out, taking place over many years, and too contrived for my liking.
Overall I did like this book and recommend it to readers who enjoy historic fiction and world literature.
littletaiko's review against another edition
3.0
Not only was this a love story about Patricio, an emigrant to Cuba from Spain, and Gloria, the beautiful wife of a Havana gangster, it's also a love story about Havana, the city. Patricio and Gloria were both strong characters and the story is told from both of their points of view. Equally entreating are Patricio's best friends who are as loyal as can be. Gloria's husband is truly cruel and vicious and the book maybe spends a bit too much time showing us exactly how cruel he can be. The story moves into soap opera territory with incredible coincidences and problems popping up left and right towards the end. However I really did enjoy the characters as well as learning more about Cuba before Castro came to power.
gbatsreads3417's review against another edition
5.0
Heartwarming. True love.
True love could not have been more beautifully portrayed. Love will always find a way even when it seems impossible!
True love could not have been more beautifully portrayed. Love will always find a way even when it seems impossible!
daniellersalaz's review against another edition
4.0
As enveloping as the scent of Mariposas
This story takes its time unfolding. The descriptions of Cuban life are atmospheric and lovely, the characters are fully developed individuals, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that meander through the years. A truly enjoyable read.
This story takes its time unfolding. The descriptions of Cuban life are atmospheric and lovely, the characters are fully developed individuals, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that meander through the years. A truly enjoyable read.
oishee_ch's review against another edition
3.0
If I could give this three and a half stars, I would. Towards the beginning, the language was okay, I was immersed in the book. Everything was going smoothly. The love story felt compelling if a bit cliché. The historical parts were simply beautifully written and I wish more of that was included. However, this book lost it's charm for me towards the very end by a plot device that felt completely unnecessary. This book made me very emotional at the turning point of the novel, but all of it ended up being for nothing. The ending is clichéd and I would rather it had ended as a tragedy than ended...this way. Rant over.