Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton

Chanel Cleeton is a Cuban-American author known for her historical fiction novels that often explore themes of family, love, and Cuban history. She gained prominence for her "Next Year in Havana" series, which brings to life the complex history and culture of Cuba, particularly focusing on the time around the Cuban Revolution and its impact on generations of Cuban families.

Early Life

• Chanel Cleeton was born into a Cuban-American family, and her heritage plays a significant role in her writing. Her family’s stories about Cuba, along with her own visits to the island, inspired her to explore Cuban history and culture in her novels.

Education

• Cleeton holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London.
• She earned a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science.
• She also studied law, receiving a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Writing Career

• Cleeton initially began her writing career with contemporary romance novels before transitioning to historical fiction.
• "Next Year in Havana" (2018) became a breakout hit, garnering widespread acclaim. The novel tells the story of a Cuban-American woman who travels to Havana to scatter her grandmother’s ashes and uncovers family secrets against the backdrop of Cuba's revolutionary history. It was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, which significantly boosted its popularity.
• Following the success of "Next Year in Havana," Cleeton continued with related novels, including:
  • "When We Left Cuba" (2019), which follows the story of a young Cuban exile in Palm Beach, Florida, during the 1960s as she navigates love, espionage, and political turmoil.
  • "The Last Train to Key West" (2020), set in 1935, which connects three women’s stories during the devastating Labor Day hurricane in the Florida Keys.
  • "The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba" (2021), which explores the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain in the late 19th century, focusing on real-life figures from that era.

Themes and Style

• Cleeton's novels often highlight the experiences of Cuban exiles and their longing for their homeland. She blends romance, historical fiction, and political intrigue to explore Cuban identity and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
• Her works reflect a deep connection to her Cuban heritage, with richly detailed settings that bring Cuban history and culture to life.

Personal Life

• Chanel Cleeton currently resides in the United States, where she continues to write and share stories inspired by her Cuban roots.

Cleeton's novels resonate with readers interested in history, romance, and stories that delve into the complexities of cultural identity.

In 1958, Havana was a city at a pivotal moment in Cuban history. The following timeline highlights significant events in Havana and Cuba during that year:

January 1958

• Revolutionary Movement: The Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro and his 26th of July Movement intensifies. Rebel forces continue to challenge the government of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista, who was facing increasing opposition.

March 1958

• U.S. Embargo on Arms: The United States imposes an arms embargo on Cuba, prohibiting the sale of weapons to the Batista government. This action is intended to pressure Batista to hold fair elections and reduce his use of military force against the rebels.

April 1958

• General Strike: A nationwide strike organized by the 26th of July Movement is attempted to overthrow Batista's regime. While it does not achieve its goal, it demonstrates the widespread support for the revolutionary movement and deepens Batista's unpopularity.

Summer 1958

• Escalation of Guerrilla Warfare: Rebel forces, led by Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and other key figures, launch a series of successful attacks in the Sierra Maestra mountains. These battles weaken Batista's military.

August 1958

• Offensive by Batista's Army: Batista's forces launch a major military offensive against the rebels in the Sierra Maestra, but it fails. The guerrilla fighters manage to repel the offensive, gaining momentum.

November 1958

• Rebel Advances: Revolutionary forces launch a series of coordinated attacks in central Cuba, capturing several key towns. The collapse of Batista’s military strategy becomes apparent, leading to desertions and defections from the army.

December 1958

• Rebel Campaign Intensifies: By the end of the year, Fidel Castro's forces move closer to Havana, capturing significant cities such as Santa Clara. The momentum shifts entirely towards the revolutionaries.

New Year's Eve 1958

• Batista Flees Cuba: On December 31, 1958, President Fulgencio Batista flees Havana for the Dominican Republic as the revolutionary forces approach the capital. His departure marks the fall of his regime.

January 1, 1959

• Revolutionary Victory: The revolutionary forces enter Havana, marking the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. This event sets the stage for significant political and social changes in the country.

In 1958, Havana was a city in turmoil, with the revolution's impact felt through strikes, protests, and clashes, eventually leading to a dramatic political shift that reshaped Cuba’s future.

In 2017, Havana experienced a mix of cultural, social, and political events that reflected Cuba's evolving relationship with the world and internal changes. Here’s a timeline highlighting significant events in Havana during that year:

January 2017

• Normalization of U.S.-Cuba Relations: Following the 2014 announcement by former U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro to normalize diplomatic relations, Havana continued to see an influx of American tourists. However, the future of these relations became uncertain with the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.

June 2017

• U.S. Policy Shift: President Trump announces a rollback of some policies aimed at normalizing U.S.-Cuba relations. This includes restrictions on individual American travel to Cuba and banning U.S. business transactions with military-run entities, which control many tourist facilities in Havana. This policy shift creates uncertainty for the tourism sector in the city.

August 2017

• Hurricane Irma: Hurricane Irma hits Cuba in early September, including the capital Havana. The city experiences severe flooding and damage to infrastructure, with many buildings in the historic old town suffering significant damage. Efforts to recover and rebuild are undertaken, but the hurricane highlights the vulnerability of Havana's aging infrastructure.

October 2017

• Mysterious "Sonic Attacks": Reports emerge of American and Canadian diplomats in Havana experiencing mysterious health problems, including hearing loss, dizziness, and cognitive issues. These incidents, referred to as "sonic attacks," lead to a reduction in U.S. diplomatic staff in Cuba and a warning for Americans not to travel to the island. The cause remains unclear, and the situation strains U.S.-Cuba relations further.

November 2017

• Havana Film Festival: The city hosts the annual International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, which continues to be one of the most important cultural events in the city. The festival draws filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from across Latin America and beyond.

December 2017

• Tourism Impact: By the end of the year, Havana sees a noticeable decline in American tourists due to the U.S. policy changes and the travel warning related to the "sonic attacks." Despite this, European and Canadian tourism remains steady, with Havana continuing to be a popular destination for international visitors.

In 2017, Havana faced challenges such as natural disasters and diplomatic tensions, but it also remained a vibrant cultural hub, hosting events that showcased its resilience and rich artistic heritage.