So, it’s time to start talking about Dreaming in Cuban.  I enjoyed it quite a lot and especially liked that we had viewpoints from those who stayed in Cuba and those who left. I think that a lot of times we only hear from the people that got out so for me this was a bit more balanced I guess.

Anyway, what did everyone think?

I very much enjoyed the book too. Thanks for suggesting it! I liked the multiple perspectives as well. I can’t say that I know much about Cuba, but the book has made me want to know more.

I’m glad you liked it Stefanie. I don’t think I know much more about Cuba after having read the book but I was really interested in reading from the perspective of those who actually supported El Lider.

I enjoyed this very much and would never have read it if it hadn’t been a Slaves’ pick - don’t you just love blogging? What I thought was really intriguing was the representation of the mindset of the characters under such a disastrous regime. It seemed that Cuba had been an unsettled, poor, dispossessed country, one way or another, for a long time, and I felt that was reflected in the way the characters thought and behaved. I had intended to post on the book tonight but I’m too tired. I’ll write my review first thing in the morning though!

I liked the book too, and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have read it either if it hadn’t been for the group, so thanks Iliana!  I liked the multiple perspectives too, although I don’t really like the switching from first to third person and back again.  But I learned to deal with that.  I did like all the different views we got both of the family history and of the political history—I’m struck by how intertwined all the characters’ lives were, even when some of them lived so far away. 

What did you think of those letters?

I loved the letters. I though Celia was more her true self in the letters than at any other time. And she would say the most interesting and touching things like “I have been reading the plays of Moliere and wondering what separates suffering from imagination. Do you know?”

I’m sorry I haven’t posted on our discussion again but had to make a quick trip to Austin. I think it was fate though as you won’t believe what happened....

I made a stop at my favorite indie bookstore and who was speaking there that night? None other than Cristina Garcia! I got to meet her and mentioned that we were discussing her book. She said she’d love to pop in if she gets a chance so if anyone has any questions for her, please post and maybe she’ll get to reply.

Back to the book discussion… I enjoyed Celia’s letters too. I saw them as her diary as they were the ones she confided her secrets to. The last letter in the novel felt very sad to me especially. Celia seems so hopeful what with the birth of Pilar but not expecting I guess that Pilar wouldn’t live near her always.

Iliana—that’s so cool!  What a coincidence.  I hope she does stop by and participate or at least read what’s going on. 

It’s interesting the way letters are behind the rest of the novel in terms of time—I like how we can see what her feelings and hopes were as a younger woman and then know at the same time how things are turning out later in her life.  The juxtaposition is interesting.  The last letter was sad but hopeful too—the idea that Pilar will remember everything so the letters aren’t necessary anymore.  Celia is finally moving on past a relationship that has been dead for so long.  And yet, since the relationship died long ago, the letters come to fill some other function—they aren’t ever sent to Gustavo—it’s more like she’s writing herself or some imagined reader.

The last letter is lovely, both hopeful and sad as you all have said. It echoes what Celia tells Pilar a dozen or so pages earlier when she and Pilar are sitting on the porch in Cuba.

“Women who outlive their daughters are orphans, Abuela tells me. Only granddaughters can save them, guard their knowledge like the first fire.”

What a terrifying and comforting thought all at once. The pressure on Pilar to carry her aubela’s memories, but also the comfort of being a part of a long line of women, passing on what they have learned from generation to generation. Celia’s letters to Gustavo were perhaps one way for her to keep the knowledge alive until Pilar came along since Celia’s daughters wouldn’t or couldn’t listen to it.

Oh, and how cool Iliana that you got to meet Cristina Garcia!

So, the ending. Did Celia drown in the ocean? I think she did, but at the same time I had a bit of doubt.

Iliana passed the selection baton. The choices are up at the Slaves blog. I hope you like them.