This book had its moments. The storyline was interesting and there were parts that held my attention, but it wasnt a book that i couldnt put down. The writing style was clear and easy to follow, but I found myself wishing for a bit more depth or drama. Overall, it was a pretty good book.

Everyone Leaves by Wendy Guerra (book cover in in the image), the the republication of thee story of Nieve, a girl living in Castro's Cuba. Told in the style of a memoir, this novel takes a unique perspective in the sense, that it does not depict a revolutionary who escapes the oppression of Castro's Cuba, but stay behind and gives the reader a glimpse of those who lived during this time.

The narration by Diana Bustelo was expertly done and I highly recommend this book.

Thank you @harperaudio, @harperviabooks, and @netgalley for the opportunity to listen to the ALC and read this eARC. All opinions are my own.

Original Pub Year: 2012
Pub Date: Jul 22 2025
Rating: 5 Stars

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This is an interesting book about a girl growing up in Cuba and her struggles with family and country.
Overall, this was alright. I was more interested in the first part of the book, about her bouncing back and forth between her mother and father and starting to recognize the difficult life she is leading. I felt a little disconnected from the second part. I think if I had read it physically I might have liked it more, since the writing is rather poetic.
Overall, a good look at a young life.

Everyone Leaves by Wendy Guerra is a bleak read about Nieve, a young Cuban girl growing up in the 70’s and 80’s in post revolution Cuba. We get to experience Nieves coming of age through her journals that are an intimate portrait of her life. We met her artist mother, her adoring stepdad, her abusive father, her young loves, and friends. As the story progresses you hope for the best for Nieve and that she can succeed in whatever she wants. I learned some interesting history about Cuba. The translation and narration were both well done. Guerra broke my heart into pieces. I can’t stop thinking about all the young talented Cubans who were and are left behind by La Revolución. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.