Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton alternates between 2017, when Cuban-American journalist Marisol Ferrera travels to Cuba to scatter her grandmother Elisa's ashes, and 1958-1959, when Elisa, daughter of sugar barons, falls in love with revolutionary Pablo amid the upheaval of Fidel Castro's rise to power. While uncovering her grandmother's past through letters, Marisol navigates her own love story with Luis Rodriguez, amidst the political tension of contemporary Cuba. The book includes themes of political oppression and trauma.

Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton captivates with its richly woven tale of love, loss, and identity, set against the backdrop of Cuban history. Readers praise its evocative prose and dual timeline narrative. However, some feel the pacing drags in parts, and certain plot twists seem predictable. Overall, it is a compelling read, resonant with cultural poignancy.

A reader who enjoys Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton would likely appreciate well-researched historical fiction blended with romance and political intrigue, akin to works like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. This reader seeks evocative settings, rich cultural backdrops, and multigenerational narratives.

Nostalgic / Romantic / Emotional / Contemplative / Bittersweet

- Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton was inspired by the author's own family history, as her grandfather was a Cuban exile after the Cuban Revolution.
- The novel was chosen as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick in July 2018, which significantly increased its popularity and reach among readers.
- Chanel Cleeton holds a degree in International Relations and studied in Havana, which adds authenticity and depth to her depiction of Cuban culture and history in the novel.

**Elisa (Perez) Ferrera**  
The third eldest daughter of a wealthy Havana family, who eventually becomes a wealthy exile in Miami and whose story intertwines with her granddaughter Marisol’s journey of discovery in Cuba.

**Marisol Ferrera**  
Elisa's granddaughter, a travel writer and journalist, who explores her Cuban heritage and family secrets while visiting Cuba after her grandmother's death.

**Beatriz Perez**  
The most rebellious and beautiful of the Perez daughters, whose actions and daring nature lead her into decisive roles during the family's time of upheaval.

**Emilio Perez**  
The pragmatic patriarch of the Perez family, who strives to protect his family during the Cuban Revolution and eventually takes them into exile in the United States.

**Luis Rodriguez**  
A history professor in Cuba and Marisol’s love interest, who navigates the complexities of his country’s history while maintaining a rebellious streak against its political oppression.

**Magda**  
The nanny of the Perez children, who provides nurturing care and represents the lives of ordinary Cubans while maintaining her beliefs amidst the changing political landscape.

**Pablo Garcia**  
Elisa’s passionate love interest during the Cuban Revolution, whose involvement and decisions have significant impacts on the events surrounding the revolution.

**Fidel Castro**  
History interweaves with narrative as he emerges as a prominent revolutionary leader, influencing the lives of characters like the Perezes and Pablo through his political actions.

**Ernesto “Che” Guevara**  
A pivotal figure in the Cuban Revolution, whose revolutionary zeal and actions leave a lasting impact on the country and characters like Emilio.

**Fulgencio Batista**  
A historic dictator of Cuba, whose regime’s corruption and eventual downfall set the backdrop for the novel’s events, influencing many characters indirectly through his political tenure.

**Ana Rodriguez**  
Elisa’s best friend and Luis’s grandmother, who becomes a matriarch in Havana, influencing Marisol’s understanding of her heritage and choices.

Chanel Cleeton

Adult

Novel

The Perez Family

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Next Year In Havana reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Next Year In Havana | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

This Next Year in Havana summary delves into Chanel Cleeton’s tale of family, love, and identity, set against the backdrop of Cuban history and revolution.

Next Year In Havana Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Get ready to explore Next Year In Havana and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Next Year In Havana

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Next Year In Havana?

Reading Age

Book Details