The Optimistic Cuban
A novel
by José Sotolongo
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Oct 07 2025 | Archive Date Dec 15 2025
Histria Books | Histria Fiction
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Description
In 1959 Havana, middle-class student activist Fernando fights against the corrupt, U.S.-backed Batista regime. Initially elated by the success of Castro’s Communist Revolution, Fernando's excitement soon fades as he grapples with the harsh realities of the new government’s oppression.
Meanwhile, his beloved Julia and best friend Gustavo, who come from impoverished Black families, are hopeful that the Revolution will bring long-awaited social change. This difference in political beliefs creates friction, but Fernando’s feelings for Julia remain strong. When faced with challenges to his personal life and values, Fernando must navigate a world of divided loyalties, harsh political realities, and deep social divides.
As tensions mount, Fernando finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his homeland and a future elsewhere. Ultimately, he faces a choice that will test his beliefs, his loyalties, and the depth of his love.
Advance Praise
Through a set of complex lives, The Optimistic Cuban offers a refreshingly layered perspective of the Cuban Revolution and its immediate aftermath. Sotolongo's vivid prose carries you back to a defining moment in the island's history, challenging preconceived notions and illuminating the struggles and shared humanity of its characters. A must-read, engrossing novel that will stay with you like a moving memory. -- Dariel Suarez, author of The Playwright's House
Sotolongo turns the tragic story of Cuba's struggle--and inability--to find democracy into a family tale that encapsulates the horror and pain of dictatorships, whether they are from the right or from the left. Focusing on the Leal family, he brings in characters from all socio-economic levels to show how the personal is inextricably bound to the political. This is an enlightening and engaging read not only for those from the Cuban diaspora but for anyone interested in international events. -- Cecilia M. Fernandez, author of: First Place: International Latino Book Award
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781592116065 |
| PRICE | $19.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 300 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 4 members
Featured Reviews
Kirsty M, Reviewer
This was such a brilliant read. I have actually been on holiday to cuba so reading this and having that to refer to was so interesting. I loved it and didn't want it to end.
Amber L, Reviewer
I went into this novel with a bit of blanket/basic knowledge of Cuban history. The Optimistic Cuban takes the political shifts and upheaval as Cuba transferred power from Batista to Castro and puts a very real, sometimes emotional, humanistic perspective on it.
The novel is primarily through the lens of Fernando. From the beginning, it is clear that Fernando is prideful and passionate about his country. He is a university student living a comfortable life with his parents. Yet, he yearns for a better Cuba. Throughout, there are also glimpses of Fernando’s friends and family members points’ of view. It really gives a wholistic look at how and why some supported Batista while others didn’t, how it could divide families and create voids in friendships.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Thank you NetGalley and Histria Books for an ARC of The Optimistic Cuban.
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