Subject
Cuba -- Fiction Books
Best books
Cirilo Villaverde
Cecilia Valdés o la Loma del Ángel
"Cecilia Valdés o la Loma del Ángel" by Cirilo Villaverde is a novel first published in 1839 and revised in 1882. Set in 1830s colonial Havana, it tells the story of Cecilia, a beautiful mulatta who falls in love with Leonardo, unaware they share the same father. Their forbidden romance unfolds against Cuba's complex racial and social hierarchies, leading to betrayal, revenge, and tragedy. This sweeping portrait of Cuban society explores the intricate relationships between whites, mulattos, and enslaved and free blacks in a deeply divided world.
Joseph Hergesheimer
Cytherea
"Cytherea" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of aging, desire, and the complexities of love and relationships through the lens of the protagonist, Lee Randon, who reflects on his life and the allure of a mysterious doll named Cytherea. The book intricately delves into Lee’s thoughts and feelings about his marriage, the restlessness he experiences as he contemplates the passage of time, and the societal changes surrounding him. The opening of "Cytherea" introduces Lee Randon as he plays golf alone in the late autumn, a metaphor for his feeling of isolation and reflection on his life. He becomes enamored with a doll he saw in a shop window, which evokes memories of beauty and lost youth, symbolizing his yearning for meaning beyond his comfortable existence. As Lee interacts with his wife, Fanny, and other characters, a sense of tension builds around his restlessness and the implications of infidelity, particularly as he navigates the complications of his feelings for Fanny, their relationship, and the new influences in their social circle, including a rising actress, Mina Raff. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes as Lee grapples with his desires and the motivations that define his life.
Schuyler Crowninshield
San Isidro
"San Isidro" by Mrs. Schuyler Crowninshield is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the life of Don Beltran, a man living near a river with his servant Adan and Adan's niece, Agueda, as they face the threat of a potentially catastrophic flood. Themes of love, duty, and the relationship between man and nature emerge in this rich and atmospheric tale set against a vibrant backdrop of tropical life. The opening of "San Isidro" introduces the main characters and their tranquil life in the casa by the river. Despite warnings from neighbors about impending floods, Don Beltran shows a carefree attitude, finding joy in the natural beauty surrounding him. As he interacts with Agueda, the story hints at deeper emotions and connections, particularly in moments tender and charged with tension as they prepare for the approaching storm. Through descriptions of the landscape and the characters' reflections on past floods, readers sense an impending tragedy, foreshadowing a pivotal moment that will challenge their lives further.
Charles Boardman Hawes
The Great Quest A romance of 1826, wherein are recorded the experiences of Josiah Woods of Topham, and of those others with whom he sailed for Cuba and the Gulf of Guinea
"The Great Quest" by Charles Boardman Hawes is a children's adventure novel published in 1921. When Cornelius Gleazen returns to 1826 Massachusetts, he persuades his friend Seth Woods and Seth's young nephew Joe to join a sea voyage supposedly seeking hidden treasure. But when the travelers reach Cuba, a darker purpose emerges: Gleazen's real plan involves the slave trade in Africa. Joe and his companions must find a way to wrest control of the expedition from Gleazen's dangerous scheme.
Maturin M. (Maturin Murray) Ballou
The Heart's Secret; Or, the Fortunes of a Soldier: a Story of Love and the Low Latitudes.
"The Heart's Secret; Or, the Fortunes of a Soldier: a Story of Love and the Low…" by Lieutenant Murray is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative unfolds primarily in the beautiful and tumultuous setting of Cuba, where social hierarchy and romantic entanglements collide. The story centers around Senorita Isabella Gonzales, a captivating and flirtatious young woman, and her interactions with Lieutenant Lorenzo Bezan, a humble soldier who saves her brother's life, thus igniting a complex web of emotions fueled by love, pride, and societal expectations. At the start of the story, the setting transitions from the vibrant twilight of Havana to a dramatic scene where young Ruez Gonzales accidentally falls into the water. The brave Lieutenant Bezan dives in to save him, showcasing his courage and kind spirit, attributes that draw Isabella's attention. As the characters are introduced, the dynamics of their relationships begin to unfold, hinting at Isabella's coquetry and Bezan's unrequited love for her. The opening chapters establish the foundation of a love story interspersed with themes of social class and devotion, drawing readers into the lives of these richly developed characters as they navigate their personal fortunes against the backdrop of shifting power and romance in 19th-century Cuba.
Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda
Sab (novela original)
"Sab (novela original)" by Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda is a novel written in 1841 during the Romantic period. Set in nineteenth-century Cuba amid independence struggles, the story centers on Sab, a mulatto slave who secretly loves Carlota, his master's white daughter. Unaware of his feelings, Carlota plans to marry a greedy merchant interested only in her dowry. Through this forbidden love story, Avellaneda denounces the Cuban slave system and explores themes of race, oppression, and the transformative power of love that transcends social boundaries.
Joseph Hergesheimer
The Bright Shawl
"The Bright Shawl" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Howard Gage, a young man returning from World War I, and his uncle Charles Abbott, who struggles to understand the disillusionment of the younger generation in the wake of the war. Their differing worldviews and the contrasting ideologies of youth and age form the crux of the narrative, offering a critical exploration of idealism, purpose, and the emotional toll of societal change. At the start of the novel, Charles Abbott reflects on his nephew Howard, who embodies an unsettling modernity defined by his lack of ideals and feelings of bitterness toward the war and its glorification. As Abbott reminisces about his own youth in Havana, he grapples with feelings of loss not just about the past but also about the societal values that seem to have deteriorated since his time. These contemplations set the stage for the complexities of the relationships that will unfold, particularly as Abbott observes Howard’s stark reality in contrast to his memories of an idealistic and passionate youth intertwined with prominent figures like Andrés Escobar, showcasing a lost nobility in the contemporary world.
Edna Winfield
The little Cuban rebel : $b or, A war correspondent's sweetheart
"The Little Cuban Rebel: or, A War Correspondent's Sweetheart" by Edna Winfield is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Howard Sherwood, a young American war correspondent, and Estella Corona, a spirited Cuban woman with ties to both the Spanish loyalists and the Cuban rebels. Set against the backdrop of the Cuban War of Independence, the narrative weaves together themes of war, political intrigue, and romantic conflict as the protagonists navigate danger and divided loyalties. The opening of the novel introduces Howard Sherwood as he embarks on a steamer voyage to Cuba, intent on fulfilling both his professional duties as a journalist and personal matters concerning his late uncle’s estate. Onboard, he becomes captivated by Estella, a Vassar-educated Cuban returning home amidst growing unrest. Their budding friendship quickly deepens when Howard saves Estella from a falling yard arm, leading to camaraderie, mutual attraction, and shared confidences about their allegiances and family backgrounds. As the journey continues, Howard learns of Estella's internal struggle—her father, a retired Spanish general, expects her to marry Lieutenant Mazenas, while her own sympathies lean toward Cuban independence. Upon arrival in Santiago, a series of misunderstandings, political suspicions, and dangerous encounters ensue: Howard is accused of being a spy, narrowly escapes capture, and Estella faces pressure to submit to an unwanted marriage. The opening sets the stage for a dramatic tale of love tested by war, loyalty, and personal sacrifice.
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