Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina Garcia is a novel about the after effects of the Cuban revolution on three generations of women in the Del Pino family. The story revolves mainly around Celia del Pino, her two daughters Lourdes and Felicia, and her granddaughter Pilar. The story takes place over several years, beginning in 1972 and ending in 1980. Each woman is affected by the revolution in different ways. Celia's belief in the revolution and Communism causes further estrangement from her and her daughter Lourdes, who voluntarily goes into exile with her husband and daughter Pilar. Lourdes despises the ideals of the revolution and feels that her mother has abandoned her once again. Felicia remains in Cuba with her mother, but suffers moments of mental instability throughout the novel. Felicia is indifferent to the ideals of Castro's revolution. Memory, nostalgia, and identity are the major themes explored in Dreaming in Cuban. The differences between mother and daughter and the political events that separate families, both geographically and emotionally, are the foundation for this novel. The language in this novel is so sensual. I loved the descriptions of the island, I could almost feel the heat of the Cuban sun on my face.
As a child of Cuban parents, I found myself enthralled by the history of Cuba. I'm ashamed to say this, but I don't know very much about the country of my heritage. I only know very basic historical facts about Cuba. I definitely need to read up on my Cuban history.
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