Books from Cuba

This is the powerful memoir of Reinaldo Arenas, a Cuban writer who defied oppression. From a difficult childhood to his fight for freedom and artistic expression, Arenas recounts his journey through political suppression, imprisonment for his homosexuality, and his eventual escape from Cuba. It's a raw and honest account of a life lived under extreme adversity, leading to his final days in New York.

• coming of age
• survival
• forbidden love

In the aftermath of Haiti's fight for freedom, a new nation grapples with the dark legacy of its past. This novel plunges into the tumultuous rule of King Henri-Christophe, whose regime, built on exploitation and violence, begins to crumble. Amidst the fervor of revolution and the shadows of voodoo, the story examines the descent into madness and the enduring struggle for power.

• morally grey

This vibrant debut novel follows three generations of a Cuban family, split between Havana and Brooklyn, as they navigate the complexities of the Cuban revolution. It's a charming story that weaves together themes of women, politics, and a touch of witchcraft. Discover a family's enduring spirit amidst conflicting loyalties and cultural divides.

• family saga
• multiple povs

Follow three friends on a wild spree through Havana's nightclubs, music halls, and underworld in the years leading up to Castro's revolution. This acclaimed novel is celebrated for its experimental style, intricate wordplay, and rhythmic prose, offering a unique portrait of a city on the brink of change.

• road trip
• unreliable narrator
• morally grey

A disillusioned musicologist from New York embarks on a journey to the Amazon jungle in search of primitive musical instruments. This expedition becomes a profound exploration of his own identity and the contrasting values of modern civilization versus a more primal existence. He grapples with his past and future as he encounters a world untouched by time.

• fish out of water
• quest

This collection gathers diverse voices to explore the fascinating space between dreams and reality. Through a series of distinct stories, authors examine the human condition, touching on our hopes, illusions, and the truths we face. It's a journey through the mind and the complexities of life.

• multiple povs

This edition of Granta en español brings together a collection of works from notable authors such as Tomás Eloy Martínez, Antonio Muñoz Molina, and Abilio Estévez. It offers a deep dive into contemporary Spanish literature, presenting a variety of voices and perspectives. Readers can expect a rich and diverse literary experience.

Lee Child, Joyce Carol Oates, Jonathan Ames, and other notable authors contribute to this collection of stories that delve into the many facets of nicotine. Exploring its various "alter egos," the volume presents diverse literary styles and moral quandaries surrounding a substance that has become increasingly controversial. This anthology offers an immensely engaging and thought-provoking look at nicotine through the incandescent imaginations of its contributors.

• multiple povs