Chanel Cleeton released a new novel last week- An Infinite Love Story. While awaiting my copy to read and review for readers, The Perez Family series came to mind.
The book covers are gorgeous, and what initially drew my attention several years ago. Check out Cleeton’s website for those covers and so much more.
In 1967, Cleeton’s father and grandparents immigrated to the U.S. as Cuban refugees, and her stories are influenced by their experiences. I have learned more about the Cuban Revolution and the culture of the people who settled in the U.S. from her historical fiction novels than I ever did in a classroom.
The Perez Family series reading order:
- Next Year in Havana (Elisa Perez’s story)
- When We Left Cuba (Beatriz Perez’s story)
- The Last Train to Key West (Mirta Perez’s story)
- The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba (Marina Perez’s story)
- Our Last Days in Barcelona (Isabel and Alicia Perez’s story)
When We Left Cuba is my favorite story of the five books. Beatriz Perez is angry and vengeful. After the Cuban Revolution, she and her family immigrated to southern Florida, but Bea only wanted to return to her beloved Cuba. In her quest, she becomes a spy for the CIA in an effort to infiltrate Castro’s inner circle.
The fictional Perez women are beautiful, courageous, and resilient. These characters represent the more than 500,000 Cubans who fled to the U.S. between 1959 and 1973.
Look for books at Knox County Online Library or your local independent bookstore each week.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to inspire you to become one, too. For more recommendations or to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article. Read more Book Whisperer reviews by Linda Sullivan.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.
