I read this book in 3 days...one morning, one afternoon and one evening. It is exquisitely written with the most beautiful almost poetic descriptions of both surroundings and people. This author has an uncanny way of describing the ordinary everyday feelings and thought of his characters and their relationships. Yes, they are conflicted, questioning, sometimes desperate imperfect people, yet real. The specter of disaster floats through this novel increasing as "the day" progresses, yet does end with a ray of hope. It is a novel worth re-reading.

Pearl's journey from Poland to America is long and arduous. Big sister to Frieda, and alone in a foreign country, proves to be frightening, confusing and difficult to navigate at times. The scenes from Havana and Key West seem real. Anyone who has traveled there will surely recognize those locales. Slow reading at times, we cheer Pearl to persevere.

Overall, this book was enjoyable to read. The struggle and horrific conditions of Cubans during the revolutionary periods in their history are well documented as are the hurts and pain which transcend generations. Anyone with a similar background, and those interested in generational dysfunction and how old hurts play in current life will enjoy it.

This is beautifully written, almost poetic in structure and visually stimulating. These four sad characters are revealed through their past stories, only to come together on this one fateful day in Paris, where the likes of Hemingway, Proust and the glorious Josephine Baker make appearances which move this tale along. I can't wait for the movie.