I read Next Year in Havana and quite enjoyed it. I found this a really poor follow up. The plot is really weak, and the characters very 2 dimensional. A supposedly strong, intelligent, independent woman who trades solely with her looks and sexual appeal is recruited by the CIA. Using only those attributes she is to assassinate a brutal dictator. She receives no training, acquires no skills, the book meanders along until finally she is sent to do the job and in the greatest anti-climax ever - Castro turns her around and sends her home with her tail between her legs. When she finally does get into a spot of danger (for about half a page) she’s rescued by a knight like any traditional damsel in distress. Whilst Prince Charming doesn’t quite come to the rescue he’s a fairly flat and boring good guy. He’s a nice fantasy character but seriously lacking in reality. I liked the historical information about Cuba but there was very little detail of people’s lives, nothing to really relate to. Family relationships that had such great potential to introduce depth and complexity, such as those with Beatriz’ mother and father were glossed over. There was a nice twist with Eduardo’s character. Overall - An opportunity missed.