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shieldbearer's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fascinating concept with,overall, well fleshed out characters and well laid foreshadowing. I was particularly impressed with how Alexander and that plotline was written.
That said, I do feel as if thelast quarter or so of the novel felt a bit rushed. I wish there had been a more thoughtful examination of Pearl's thoughts on her own sexuality where it relates to women, though I loved that the author included the queer community of the 1920s in this work.
That said, I do feel as if thelast quarter or so of the novel felt a bit rushed. I wish there had been a more thoughtful examination of Pearl's thoughts on her own sexuality where it relates to women, though I loved that the author included the queer community of the 1920s in this work.
lindablock's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The book gives a? View of an immigrant life and the challenges faced when you arrive in a different world. A harsh reality of people finding a new path and leaving an old life behind
superdewa's review
4.0
This has similarities to my grandfather’s story. He left Austria-Hungary around 1920 and lived in Cuba until he could find a way into the US. He was a hard worker who opened a grocery store in Brooklyn. I knew very little of what he might have experienced in Austria-Hungary or Cuba, so this was fascinating to me.
thenovelabby's review
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
thuscomma's review
4.0
Hotel Cuba is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to the early 1920s and follows the gripping journey of two sisters, Pearl and Frieda, as they flee Russia after World War I in search of a brighter future in America. However, their paths take an unexpected turn when they find themselves compelled to pause in Cuba before continuing to their final destination.
The strength of Hotel Cuba lies in its complex and well-developed characters. Pearl emerges as a determined, resilient young woman who will stop at nothing to safeguard her sister, Frieda. In contrast, Frieda's innocence and trustfulness are counterbalanced by her unwavering loyalty to Pearl. The sisters' complicated bond is one of the novel's most compelling features. Through their interactions with each other and the other characters in the novel, it becomes clear that the connection between them runs deep — like a lifeline that connects them through thick and thin.
Alongside the sisters, a host of other memorable characters graces the pages of Hotel Cuba. A benevolent and compassionate figure takes the sisters under his wing upon their arrival in Cuba. On the other hand, the corrupt and merciless police chief becomes a formidable antagonist, relentlessly working to complicate the sisters' lives. Skillfully capturing the essence of the era, the author, Aaron Hamburger, vividly brings the 1920s to life. The novel delves into the cultural fabric of Cuba, showcasing its vibrant aspects as well as its darker undercurrents.
I found the realistic depiction of places and situations in Hotel Cuba exceptional. Pearl and Frieda's exquisite character growth and development deeply resonated with me. They began their journey as naive and inexperienced young women, but by the end of the novel, they had transformed into empowered and self-reliant individuals. Their journey was both inspiring and heartwarming.
To sum it up, Hotel Cuba is an enthralling read, full of exceptional characters, gripping stories, and vivid settings. Fans of historical fiction and immigration stories should not miss this compelling read. Its masterful construction ensures that its impact will be felt long after the book has been set down.
The strength of Hotel Cuba lies in its complex and well-developed characters. Pearl emerges as a determined, resilient young woman who will stop at nothing to safeguard her sister, Frieda. In contrast, Frieda's innocence and trustfulness are counterbalanced by her unwavering loyalty to Pearl. The sisters' complicated bond is one of the novel's most compelling features. Through their interactions with each other and the other characters in the novel, it becomes clear that the connection between them runs deep — like a lifeline that connects them through thick and thin.
Alongside the sisters, a host of other memorable characters graces the pages of Hotel Cuba. A benevolent and compassionate figure takes the sisters under his wing upon their arrival in Cuba. On the other hand, the corrupt and merciless police chief becomes a formidable antagonist, relentlessly working to complicate the sisters' lives. Skillfully capturing the essence of the era, the author, Aaron Hamburger, vividly brings the 1920s to life. The novel delves into the cultural fabric of Cuba, showcasing its vibrant aspects as well as its darker undercurrents.
I found the realistic depiction of places and situations in Hotel Cuba exceptional. Pearl and Frieda's exquisite character growth and development deeply resonated with me. They began their journey as naive and inexperienced young women, but by the end of the novel, they had transformed into empowered and self-reliant individuals. Their journey was both inspiring and heartwarming.
To sum it up, Hotel Cuba is an enthralling read, full of exceptional characters, gripping stories, and vivid settings. Fans of historical fiction and immigration stories should not miss this compelling read. Its masterful construction ensures that its impact will be felt long after the book has been set down.
ediercks's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lhhrmn's review
4.0
3.5 stars, rounded up. This was a fairly quick read (I hustled through it partially thanks to approaching library due dates
delagoldwein's review
adventurous
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Loved this! The characters are super relatable and you become invested in them and their story. I loved learning about the history of how some Jews ended up in Cuba.
shankl's review
4.0
Hotel Cuba is inspired by the author’s immigration stories of his grandparents. Hamburger began writing this novel in 2017, after sharing his grandmother’s story with a Michigan Senator who told him to write about her journey.
Hamburger’s grandmother, Ethel, fled Russia for the states, but was diverted instead to Cuba. The conception of Pearl was formed from a photo from Key West of Ethel. He also found further inspiration from his mother, aunts and other family members.
Hotel Cuba features two fictional sisters, Pearl and Frieda, who flee the the persecution of Jews in their homeland of Russia. After months spent on the ship, the sisters find themselves landing on the shores of Cuba, rather than the United States. While one is smuggled to the states, the other endures the trials and tribulations of the island until they can be reunited nearly a year later.
This novel provides the reader a glimpse into the early twentieth century journey of immigrants to the United States. This is a deeply moving read about finding a way to belong is something that is so foreign. The ending was beautiful.