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There are currently 28 member reviews
for The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes
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Ruth O. (Downingtown, PA)
History and Mystery
This book is fascinating look at Cuban history via a mystery that intertwines different time periods via the lives of Eva (early 1900s), Pilar (1960s) and Margo (present day). It is a story of love lost and found, betrayals and loyalties, set amid the search for a rare book written by Eva Fuentes. The history of Cuba is illuminated in the hopes for positive change after freedom is gained from Spain and then repression in the era of Fidel Castro. Character development of the three primary characters was very good. It is also a story about books having the power to change lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, both from learning more about Cuban history and the mystery involving the book search. It was easy to keep track of each chapter's time period as the chapter was labeled with the person's name and year—a welcome advantage in a book that bounces around time. This would be an interesting read for book clubs because of character development, history and love of books.
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Barbara G. (Dallas, GA)
Great Read
THE LOST BOOK OF EVE FUENTES
By Chanel Cleeton
Having previous read several books by this author it was no surprise that I found this book to be very well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
It's covers three generations of women fighting to locate A Time For Forgetting before the book before it goes up for auction. The characters become very passionate about finding the one copy of this book for different personal feelings.
The book covers time in Boston, Miami-Key West, London, and most importantly, Cuba. The book also covers a timeline from 1900 till 2024. This review is based on an ARC provided to me from BookBrowse.
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Maureen C. (Ridge, NY)
Captivating Story
Loved this story. This is a beautifully written heartfelt novel. It is written in three timelines.
1900 Eva is a teacher who is offered the opportunity to travel to Hartford University for the summer. It is part of a cultural exchange program. Eva has been trying to write a novel for years.
1966 Pilar is a librarian during the Castro era. Life is not safe there. Her husband is arrested and Pilar fears for her life. A neighbor fleeing Cuba gives her a book to return to its author.
2024 Margo is hired to find a book written over 120 years ago, which is missing. This is story is all about one book.
These three storylines are intriguing woven together. This is a book I could not put down. I learned so much about Cuba. I have previously read some of this authors other books and have enjoyed them all. Her writing is compelling. If you enjoy Historical Fiction you will enjoy this book.
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Elizabeth T. (Bradenton, FL)
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes
Throughout history books have catapulted readers out of their daily lives and into a world that can be as immersive as it is thrilling. Books guide us, educate us and challenge us to become more empathetic human beings. As readers we search for that one book that can do all that and more. With The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes, Chanel Cleeton has given us just that.
As with Cleeton's other novels of Cuban history and diaspora, this book is well researched and informative. The story lines of the 3 central characters Margo, Eva and Pilar are propelled by The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes. The struggle to save the book sets Eva and Pilar on a path of resistance, while Margo must solve the mystery of the lost story. What sets this story apart from Cleeton's previous novels is the choice to make the book itself a central motif.
The women in this story Margo, Pilar and Eva are compelling and certainly carry the story along. But Cleeton adds an element of mystery with the race to find the Lost Book of Eva Fuentes that elevates the novel and makes for a most compelling read!
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Karen S. (Allston, MA)
Stories within Stories
I found the story of Eva and the other characters during the time of Cuban revolution and turmoil very engaging. Perhaps the current turmoil in the US government enhanced my appreciation for the stories related the main story of Eva's interesting life. In the past, I have read fiction and non-fiction from various political perspectives related to this time in Cuban/US history, and enjoyed this author's perspective from that era.
I am frequently drawn into the tales of people who love books and the use of books (not just the stories) as a vehicle for the unfolding drama. This book offered that appealing element as well.
I enjoyed Cleeton's writing style, and will look her other work.
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Susan R. (Greensboro, NC)
Cuba
This beautifully well written novel follows three women in different time periods whose lives have intersected over a book written in Cuba in the early 1900s. Only one copy of the book was printed and someone wants to find it before it goes up for auction.
1900 - Boston and Cuba. Eva is teacher who is sent from Cuba to America during the summer of 1900 to attend and exchange of ideas at Harvard. Her country is trying to become a free country and she wants to do her part to help. She has been working on writing a novel for years and believes that she will have some free time during the summer to work on her book. Then she meets a man who sweeps her off her feet. Instead if spending time on her book, she spends every available minute with him. After the tumultuous outcome of their affair, Eva finally writes her novel hoping that he will read it. That book is what ties all three women together.
1966 Havana. Pilar is a librarian. Life isn't safe in Cuba during this time period. Fidel Castro is in charge and punishing anyone who speaks against him. Pilar should be safe but after her husband was arrested, she began to feel like she was being watched. A friend in her apartment building is getting ready to flee Cuba and brings Pilar a copy of The Lost Story to her in hopes that she can find the author and return the book to her. She is still being watched and someone in the government knows that she is hiding books for people to keep them safe. How much danger is she willing to put herself into by trying to protect the books.
2024 London. Margo owns a company that looks for lost things. When she is hired to find The Lost Story, she isn't sure why the book is important to the person who hired her but begins her search. Soon her life is in danger and she's being followed. She has no idea why this book is important and when someone who was helping her gets killed, she decides that maybe she should stop. Her ex-husband begins to help her but as they get closer to finding the book, the danger to both of them increases.
The story is told in alternating chapters by all three women. The author did a fantastic job and there's no confusion about any of the women and you always know which time period you are in. She also melds all three stories seamlessly for the ending. I not only enjoyed the story but learned a lot about Cuban history while I was reading. This book is another great book from Chanel Cleeton.
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Linda M. (Ocala, FL)
The Comfort of Books
Having already read two books by Chanel Cleeton, I was excited to receive a copy of her latest, his book was even better than I had anticipated and resonated with me because one of the main themes is our love for books and the impact they make on our lives.
The book setting occurs in three different time periods and sheds light on several important moments in the history of Cuba. I think anyone who likes reading historical fiction will especially enjoy this book as would most book clubs. I stayed up late reading The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes and look forward to reading more books by this author
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