Once We Were Cuba

Experience a tumultuous century of Cuban history through this epic novel of love and loss based on the author's own remarkable family history—from the New York Times bestselling author of The German Girl.

Once We Were Cuba is the story of a century of sweeping change, love and loss, and a family torn asunder by the clash of history. At its heart is Maria Tomasa Lara Vilarino, the daughter of two Spanish immigrants to Cuba. Born on the cusp of a new century, Maria will live to be one hundred years old and bear witness to the ideals and the violence of revolution. An independent thinker and devoted mother, she overcomes countless obstacles and heartaches, natural disasters and political coups, trying to keep her family intact even as her children pursue wildly different paths. As Castro comes to power, Maria is summoned to New York to take care of her pregnant daughter who has married a young Marine, while her beloved son fights alongside Castro to bring down the Batista government. When she returns to Cuba, the world she was raised in has been swept away. With Havana starting to crumble around her, Maria pins her hopes for the future on her great-grandson, Lucien, whose destiny will take him across the sea in a tiny boat, seeking freedom in the United States.

Rich with historical detail and memorable characters, this bold novel captures the essence of Cuba's turbulent past. Inspired by the author’s grandmother, this book offers a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the enduring impact of historical events on the lives of individuals.