Book Review: "Find Me In Havana" By Serena Burdick

 Find Me In Havana is a tough read covering some heavy topics that will have you questioning political activism, the rise to power under dictatorships, & the overall effect upon generations of Cuban families.

The stronghold for me was two fold. The way this was written did become burdensome at times as it was labeled in a manner of speaking with Nina and her mothers past letters addressed to her.

So, in essence it was a ghostly experience in which we uncover the hardships, the abuse, the dysfunctional attributes of this family based on real life encounters.

Nina was a woman determined to uncover the truth about her mother's passing. She knew her mother had led a rough life and had fled for her safety.

The emotional toll this took as well as the fight or flight responses created a sense of urgency and danger throughout especially with regard to Castro and the rebel soldiers.
It seems both mother and daughter lead similar lives that almost became mirror images in seeking fame, fortune, and love.

Both had troubled relationships, difficult careers, abusive encounters, and both struggled with physical and mental issues including at least one having been placed in a psych ward.
The abuse was what brought me to my knees because it was hard reading about the incidents whether it to the mother or the daughter as neither woman deserved it but what really hurt was the empathy not on the side of the man but from the women.

It's hard to imagine the notion of fleeing over the border, being kidnapped, sexually abused, or being sent off to live with a father who shows little interest alongside his new wife.
The Chu-Chu scenario in preventing his wife from following her dreams and becoming an actress and singer was extremely difficult to read and get into that hateful and disgusting egotistical mindset.

The ending on this centered upon the mother's death but also Nina's accident and thoughtful reflection during that time.

The fact she was able to endure, find comfort, solice, and love with Julian was also a beautiful touch and memorable moment in this newest creation by Serena Burdick.

Find Me In Havana will truly challenge the thought process of societal norms, of illegal immigrants and of Cuban heritage, of women's equality, of suppression, and of injustices.
Estelita is a name you may not have been familiar with prior to the Hollywood Stardom of this era 30-60's but she's a name you'll soon embrace long after this book has ended.

It's that stardom that many chase and many fail to achieve yet it's through failing that they find their greatest success!

Amazing read that I credit Serena Burdick for writing and her publishers such as Harlequin for providing this ARC in exchange for this blog tour today.