The Cuban Heiress
An NPR Books We Love selection for 2023
"An unforgettable read that should be at the top of every TBR list."—NPR
In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton's page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.
New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.
Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.
As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.
"An unforgettable read that should be at the top of every TBR list."—NPR
In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton's page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.
New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.
Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.
As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.
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Community Reviews
This last installment (for now, not sure if there's more to come) is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Cuban Revolution. The narrative intertwines the historical political upheaval of Cuba's past and the life of two women as they navigate next steps.
The story revolves around Elisa Perez, a young Cuban socialite, who is taking a huge risk with her life as she balances her privileged past with what's happening around her. She is a strong female protagonist (Cleeton is great at this!) and her journey is fraught with heartache, sacrifice, and moments of profound self-discovery, making her relatable and compelling.
While the book definitely hovers in the "romance" genre, this is deftly woven into the larger tapestry of the novel. The love story adds both tension and passion and creates (IMHO) the bigger metaphor for each individual characters internal struggle. As with other novels in this saga, the family loyalty and intense bonds give a sense of strength that underscores how difficult the revolution made life for those that wanted to see change.
Cleeton's is, as always, an excellent story teller, and while there where moments of "lag" in the writing, it's worth moving through for the entire narrative. The political turmoil and social unrest of the time are depicted with authenticity and sensitivity, capturing the spirit of a nation on the brink of transformation. The author's research is evident, as she paints a vivid and nuanced picture of the Cuban Revolution, capturing both its idealistic aspirations and the devastating consequences it brought upon the lives of its citizens.
I give this book a solid:
★★★★
The story revolves around Elisa Perez, a young Cuban socialite, who is taking a huge risk with her life as she balances her privileged past with what's happening around her. She is a strong female protagonist (Cleeton is great at this!) and her journey is fraught with heartache, sacrifice, and moments of profound self-discovery, making her relatable and compelling.
While the book definitely hovers in the "romance" genre, this is deftly woven into the larger tapestry of the novel. The love story adds both tension and passion and creates (IMHO) the bigger metaphor for each individual characters internal struggle. As with other novels in this saga, the family loyalty and intense bonds give a sense of strength that underscores how difficult the revolution made life for those that wanted to see change.
Cleeton's is, as always, an excellent story teller, and while there where moments of "lag" in the writing, it's worth moving through for the entire narrative. The political turmoil and social unrest of the time are depicted with authenticity and sensitivity, capturing the spirit of a nation on the brink of transformation. The author's research is evident, as she paints a vivid and nuanced picture of the Cuban Revolution, capturing both its idealistic aspirations and the devastating consequences it brought upon the lives of its citizens.
I give this book a solid:
★★★★
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