Chanel Cleeton's When We Left Cuba captivates with its rich historical setting and strong, determined heroine. Set during the turbulent 1960s, it blends romance, espionage, and political intrigue. While some may find the pacing uneven and secondary characters underdeveloped, the novel's vivid atmosphere and emotional depth leave a lasting impression.

Readers who enjoy When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton are typically fans of historical fiction with a blend of romance and political intrigue. Ideal for those captivated by 20th-century Cuban history, reminiscent of novels like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and Next Year in Havana by the same author.

In When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton, Beatriz Perez, exiled in Palm Beach following the Cuban Revolution, agrees to work for the CIA to take down Fidel Castro, believed responsible for her brother's death. Her mission conflicts with her romance with a U.S. senator as tensions between the U.S. and Cuba escalate, forcing Beatriz to choose between her quest for vengeance and her personal desires. The book contains themes of political violence and espionage.

Mysterious / Nostalgic / Romantic / Emotional / Suspenseful

- When We Left Cuba is set during the tumultuous period of the 1960s, focusing on the Cuban exile experience against the backdrop of the Cold War and social upheaval in America.
- The book draws from Chanel Cleeton's personal connection to the Cuban-American experience, as she is a descendant of a Cuban family that fled the country after the revolution.
- Chanel Cleeton is known for weaving historical fiction with romance, and When We Left Cuba follows this tradition by mixing elements of spy intrigue and a love story within its historically rich setting.

**Beatriz Perez**  
The protagonist and narrator of the novel, she is the second-eldest Perez daughter known for her beauty and controversial actions. She navigates life post-Cuba and becomes involved in espionage, seeking independence and adventure.

**Nicholas Preston**  
A US senator and romantic interest for Beatriz, known for his attractiveness and aristocratic background. He grapples with his feelings for Beatriz and her involvement in dangerous activities.

**Eduardo Diaz**  
Cuban childhood friend of Beatriz’s family and a key figure in her ongoing connection to Cuba. He is a secondary character involved in covert activities and shares a complicated relationship with Beatriz.

**Dwyer**  
A taciturn character who offers Beatriz opportunities and the independence she desires. He is involved in espionage and represents Beatriz’s link to the challenging life she seeks.

Chanel Cleeton

Adult

Novel

The Perez Family

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore When We Left Cuba reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read When We Left Cuba | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore When We Left Cuba and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

When We Left Cuba Summary and Study Guide

Background

When We Left Cuba Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 6

When We Left Cuba Prologue-Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-14

When We Left Cuba Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-21

When We Left Cuba Chapters 15-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-28

When We Left Cuba Chapters 22-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 29-Epilogue

When We Left Cuba Chapter 29-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

When We Left Cuba Character Analysis

theme

Themes

When We Left Cuba Themes

Symbols & Motifs

When We Left Cuba Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

When We Left Cuba Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

When We Left Cuba Essay Topics

When We Left Cuba

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read When We Left Cuba?

Reading Age

Book Details