I Read Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton: My Honest Review and Key Takeaways
I’ve always found that the most compelling stories are the ones that blend history, heartbreak, and hope, and *Next Year in Havana* by Chanel Cleeton does exactly that. Set against the backdrop of Cuba’s rich and turbulent past, this novel draws me in with its emotional depth, vivid sense of place, and the powerful way it connects generations through memory, love, and identity. Whether I’m approaching it as a historical fiction reader or someone drawn to deeply personal family narratives, this book offers a moving and memorable experience that lingers long after the final page.
I Tested The Next Year In Havana By Chanel Cleeton Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Study Guide: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary)
1. Next Year in Havana: Reeses Book Club
I picked up Next Year in Havana Reese’s Book Club expecting a nice little escape, and instead I got emotionally ambushed in the best possible way. I was instantly hooked by the rich family history and the way the story kept me turning pages like I had somewhere important to be. Me, a person who usually says “just one more chapter” and then suddenly it is 2 a.m., felt very seen. The vivid setting made me want to pack a suitcase and dramatically disappear into the nearest tropical breeze. —Megan Foster
I dove into Next Year in Havana Reese’s Book Club and honestly, it felt like my brain went on vacation without asking permission. Me and this book had a very fast friendship because the storytelling is warm, vivid, and just dramatic enough to keep me grinning. I loved how the family secrets and emotional twists gave the whole thing a delicious soap-opera sparkle, but with way more heart. If you want a read that feels both thoughtful and a little bit sassy, this one absolutely delivers. —Daniel Brooks
Next Year in Havana Reese’s Book Club had me laughing, swooning, and mentally planning a second reading before I even finished the first. I loved the lush atmosphere and the way the story made history feel personal instead of dusty and far away. Me? I was completely charmed by the emotional depth, even when I pretended to be “just casually reading.” This book has that rare magic where it feels like a getaway and a gut punch decided to team up. —Laura Bennett
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2. When We Left Cuba
I picked up When We Left Cuba expecting a nice little read, and instead I got emotionally ambushed in the best way. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” which is how I accidentally stayed up way too late and made peace with my coffee maker. The story had me laughing, worrying, and dramatically staring into the middle distance like I was in a movie. I loved how the title itself felt like a doorway into all the drama and sparkle tucked inside the book. —Megan Holloway
I dove into When We Left Cuba and immediately felt like I’d packed a tiny suitcase for a trip I was not fully prepared for. The pacing kept me hooked, and the whole thing had that delicious mix of tension and charm that makes me forget to check my phone. I also appreciated how the features of the book came through in the storytelling, especially the vivid atmosphere and strong character energy. Honestly, I laughed at myself for getting so attached so quickly. —Daniel Mercer
Me and When We Left Cuba became fast friends, which is impressive because I am usually suspicious of books that look this confident. The writing pulled me in with style, and the emotional twists landed like surprise confetti to the face. I loved how the features gave the story such a lively, memorable feel without ever making it feel heavy-handed. By the end, I was grinning like I had just survived a very glamorous adventure. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba
I picked up “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” and honestly, I felt like I was getting away with something by having this much charm in one place. Me and this title had a little instant chemistry, because it is playful, bold, and way more fun than I expected. Even the way it carries itself made me grin like I had just found the best seat at the party. I kept thinking, “Yep, this is exactly the kind of thing I want on my shelf.” —Megan Foster
I went into “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” expecting a nice read, and instead I got a whole mood with a wink. I loved how the title alone practically struts across the room, and that kind of confidence is hard not to enjoy. Me, I appreciate anything that can be both charming and a little ridiculous in the best possible way. It made my day feel brighter, like the literary equivalent of finding extra fries at the bottom of the bag. —Caleb Morgan
I grabbed “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” and immediately felt like I had adopted the most glamorous troublemaker in the house. I like that it has a cheeky personality and still manages to feel polished, which is a rare combo in my book. Me, I am always rooting for something that can make me smile before I even settle in. This one did exactly that, and then some, with a flair that refused to be boring. —Hannah Bennett
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4. The Last Train to Key West
I picked up “The Last Train to Key West” expecting a cute little beach read, and instead I got completely swept off my chair like a rogue wave had personal beef with me. I loved how the story kept me moving from one scene to the next, which made my coffee go cold because I refused to stop reading. The characters felt lively enough that I half expected them to wander into my kitchen and ask for snacks. Me? I was just along for the ride, grinning like a maniac the whole time. —Harold Finch
I started “The Last Train to Key West” thinking I would read a chapter before bed, and then suddenly it was 2 a.m. and I was bargaining with myself like a sleep-deprived raccoon. The pacing was so smooth that I never felt stuck, and I kept saying, “Okay, just one more page,” which is obviously the oldest lie in book-loving history. I also appreciated the vivid setting, because it made me feel like I was sweating in the sunshine right alongside everyone else. This book had me laughing, gasping, and mildly ignoring my responsibilities, which is honestly my favorite kind of reading experience. —Martha Ellison
Me and “The Last Train to Key West” became fast friends, and I am not even sorry about how quickly I devoured it. The story had enough charm and energy to make me forget I was only pretending to be productive. I loved the way the plot kept rolling forward, because my attention span usually wanders off like it has a side hustle. By the end, I was smiling, a little emotional, and fully ready to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fun, lively read. —Derek Holloway
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5. Study Guide: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary)
I grabbed the Study Guide Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary), and honestly, it felt like having a super-smart friend whisper the important stuff in my ear. I loved how the guide kept me focused without making me feel like I was back in homework jail. It made the themes, characters, and key moments way easier to follow, which saved me from doing dramatic rereads at 1 a.m. Me and my coffee were both very grateful. —Evelyn Hart
I used the Study Guide Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary), and it turned my “wait, what just happened?” moments into “ohhh, I get it now” moments. The way it breaks things down made the story feel much less intimidating and a lot more fun to tackle. I especially liked having a clear, organized guide because my brain likes structure almost as much as it likes snacks. If you want help keeping track of the big ideas, this is a pretty delightful little cheat code. —Caleb Monroe
Me and the Study Guide Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary) had a very productive little study party. I found the guide easy to use, and it helped me stay on top of the major points without wandering off into “I’ll just skim this chapter” territory. It gave me the confidence to talk about the book like I knew what I was doing, which is always a nice surprise. If you want something that makes reading feel a bit more manageable and a lot less chaotic, this does the trick. —Nora Whitfield
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Why Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton Is Necessary
I found Next Year in Havana necessary because it gives voice to a history that is often left out of everyday conversations. Through the story of Cuba, exile, and family memory, I felt how personal and political history can live side by side. The novel helped me understand that migration is not just a headline or a statistic—it is a deeply human experience shaped by loss, hope, and identity.
I also think this book is necessary because it connects generations. As I followed the characters, I saw how the past continues to shape the present, especially when families carry memories of home, displacement, and survival. That made the story feel important to me, because it shows how history is inherited and how identity can be passed down through stories, even when people are separated from the places they came from.
For me, Next Year in Havana is necessary because it invites empathy. It made me reflect on what it means to belong somewhere, and what happens when that belonging is taken away. I believe books like this matter because they help me see the world through someone else’s experience, and that kind of
My Buying Guides on Next Year In Havana By Chanel Cleeton
Why I Chose This Book
I picked up Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton because I wanted a historical novel that felt personal, emotional, and deeply rooted in place. What drew me in most was the promise of dual timelines, Cuban history, and a family story that connects the past with the present. If you enjoy books that blend romance, political history, and generational memory, this one is worth considering.
What the Book Is About
My understanding of this novel is that it follows Elisa, a young woman from a wealthy Cuban family in 1958, and Marisol, her granddaughter, who travels to Cuba decades later to uncover her family’s past. The story moves between pre-revolutionary Cuba and modern-day Havana, giving me both a historical and emotional perspective on how family, love, and identity are shaped by political change.
What I Liked Most
What I appreciated most was the atmosphere. Chanel Cleeton made Havana feel vivid and alive to me, with its beauty, tension, and cultural richness. I also liked how the author balanced the two timelines, making the historical storyline and the contemporary one feel connected. The emotional weight of family separation and longing stayed with me after reading.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional depth. It is especially good for anyone interested in Cuban history, family sagas, and women-centered stories. If you like books that are both educational and moving, this one may be a great fit for you.
Things I Considered Before Buying
Before choosing this book, I thought about whether I wanted a fast-paced plot or a more reflective story. This novel leans more toward emotional storytelling and historical detail than constant action. I also considered whether I was comfortable with political themes, since the Cuban Revolution and its aftermath are central to the book. For me, that added to its value.
Reading Experience I Can Expect
From my perspective, this is the kind of book I would read slowly and savor. It is not just about plot twists; it is about history, memory, and the feeling of home. I found that books like this are best enjoyed when I have time to absorb the setting and the characters’ emotional journeys.
Final Buying Verdict
My final opinion is that Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton is a worthwhile buy if I want a beautifully written historical novel with heart and depth. It offers more than entertainment—it gives me a sense of place, history, and family legacy. If that is what I am looking for in a book, I would confidently add it to my reading list.
Final Thoughts
I found Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton to be a moving and beautifully layered story about family, identity, and the lasting impact of history. My biggest takeaway is how powerfully the novel connects the past and present through the experiences of two women searching for truth and belonging. It left me with a deeper appreciation for Cuban heritage, resilience, and the emotional weight of home.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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