Letters from Cuba
Letters from Cuba by Ruth Behar is a poignant narrative that follows a Jewish girl named Esther as she escapes Poland just before World War II to join her father in Cuba. Published by Penguin on August 31, 2021, this reprint edition spans 288 pages and is presented in English. The story captures Esther’s journey as she navigates the challenges of emigration while documenting her experiences through heartfelt letters to her sister, highlighting both the kindness she encounters and the darker realities of the time.
Readers will find Esther’s letters to be a rich tapestry of her life in Cuba, revealing her determination to reunite her family while showcasing her newfound talents and the warmth of the Cuban people. The narrative touches on themes of emigration and immigration, as well as the social dynamics of the era, providing insight into the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. This edition invites readers to explore a significant historical context through the eyes of a young girl, making it a thoughtful addition to the genre of juvenile fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
Pura Belpré Award Winner Ruth Behar’s inspiring story of a Jewish girl who escapes Poland to make a new life in Cuba, where she works to rescue the rest of her family
The situation is getting dire for Jews in Poland on the eve of World War II. Esther’s father has fled to Cuba, and she is the first one to join him. It’s heartbreaking to be separated from her beloved sister, so Esther promises to write down everything that happens until they’re reunited. And she does, recording both the good–the kindness of the Cuban people and her discovery of a valuable hidden talent–and the bad: the fact that Nazism has found a foothold even in Cuba. Esther’s evocative letters are full of her appreciation for life and reveal a resourceful, determined girl with a rare ability to bring people together, all the while striving to get the rest of their family out of Poland before it’s too late.
Based on Ruth Behar’s family history, this compelling story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the most challenging times.
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