49 pages 1 hour read

Ana Menéndez

In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd by Ana Menéndez is a collection of eleven linked short stories that follow the experiences of Cuban immigrants and their American-born children in Miami, exploring themes of truth, memory, storytelling, and the emotional toll of dislocation, loss, and nostalgia. Some stories involve characters who have experienced the loss of a child.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ana Menéndez’s In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd is a moving exploration of the Cuban-American experience, capturing themes of displacement and identity with poignant prose. Praised for its emotional depth and vivid character portrayals, some critics find its pacing uneven. Overall, it offers a richly textured narrative that resonates deeply.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd?

Readers who appreciate The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz or Drown by Díaz will enjoy In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd by Ana Menéndez. The book targets those interested in immigrant experiences, intergenerational narratives, and evocative storytelling rich in cultural and emotional complexity.

Recommended

Reading Age

16-18years

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Relationships: Family

Topics

History: U.S.

Genre

American Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction