Hector loves Cuba. With the communist leadership, however, it is becoming more difficult to survive. His father, who is labeled a traitor and enemy of the people, has been living in Florida. Sometimes his father's life taints his family's ability to progress. Thankfully his grandmother is part of the government leadership and saves them from numerous challenges. When his mother begins talking about joining his father in Florida, Hector is vacillates between wanting to stay with all that is familiar and wanting leave to experience freedom. Violent acts of repudiation create fear and hostility even between friends.
Ms. Gonzalez immerses the reader in the Cuba's culture in the summer of 1980. Readers will be incredulous at the horrors and at the betrayals the Cubans endured during this time. Likeable characters and a tight plot will engage readers from beginning to end. A glossary of Spanish words and phrases proved helpful.
*Highly recommend but seeing warnings.
Warnings: violence, death of a beloved character, betrayal, cruelty, harsh conditions Cubans endured crossing from Cuba to Florida, one swear word, a girl Hector finds beautiful kisses him but it is to cover up why they were in a forbidden place, at the very end the author chose to include a gay man escaping to Florida (very minor-just mentioned-had no bearing on the story nor needed)
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