Review: Havana Lost by Libby Fischer Hellmann
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Book Summary
On the eve of the Cuban Revolution, headstrong 18-year-old Francesca Pacelli flees from her ruthless Mafia-boss father in Havana to the arms of her lover, a rebel fighting with Fidel Castro. Her father, desperate to send her to safety in the US, resorts to torture and blackmail as he searches the island for her.So begins the first part of a spellbinding saga that spans three generations of the same family. Decades later, the family is lured back to Cuba by the promise of untold riches. But pursuing those riches brings danger as well as opportunity, and ultimately, Francesca's family must confront the lethal consequences of their choices. From the troubled streets of Havana to the mean streets of Chicago, HAVANA LOST reveals the true cost of chasing power instead of love.
HAVANA LOST is award-winning author Libby Fischer Hellmann's tenth novel and third thriller that explores how strife and revolution affect the human spirit. HAVANA LOST is a testament to Hellmann's gift for authentic historical detail as well as her talent for writing compulsively readable thrillers.
Review
From an author who has gotten such high praise for her preceding work, I must say this book was everything that I had hoped it would be. Going into this book, I had my reservations about books that are rooted from history especially ones that took place during the time of this novel, but the proof is in the pages. Well written, thoroughly impressed with her historical representation based upon her extensive research, Havana Lost has all the elements that would excite and engage the reader. Not only a novel rich from its historical references but she really creates an environment for the reader that places you right in the moment. You definitely get swept up in the lives of the characters and what’s going on. Her characters are not only full of life but multi layered, spanning over three generations that entice the reader with its compulsive and addicting story line of love, rebellion, survival, loyalty and redemption. Once you start reading, you will not want to put it down. I recommend this book for all readers especially those who love historical fiction.
Reviewed by Michelle Bowles
Book Information
Publisher: The Red Herrings Press
Publication date: 8/16/2013
Pages: 300
