Cuba, I Remember You
Oscar M. Ramirez-Orbea, Ph.D.
Airleaf Publishing
ISBN: 1-59453-955-3
376 Pages 

As I began reading Cuba, I Remember You by Oscar M. Ramirez-Orbea, I was intrigued by the unusual layout of the pages.  The collection of short stories is presented in both English and Spanish in a way that is easily read and followed.  Although I have never been to Cuba—and probably never will go there—the author took me there with his descriptive words of the island, houses where he lived, introduction of family members, vivid images of childhood friends, and other memories of his life before and after the revolution.

I was surprised to see the introduction, acknowledgements, and dedication all combined; however, this was effective and served as an overall introduction to the intriguing and informative stories. The author begins his writings on a light note as he describes his Aunt Carmita whom he calls a character with an eccentric personality, but does so with strong feelings of respect and love.  His description of her as she attempted to sing classical opera brought tears of laughter to my eyes.  When this beloved aunt died at the age of ninety-two in California, having been forced to leave Cuba  years earlier,  the author relates how her death marked the end of a period in his life—the end of an age.  Dr. Ramirez-Orbea, who was forced to leave Cuba at the age of ten, realized that with her death and that of other family members, he needed to do something to keep these people alive through his words.  He didn’t want the memories to be lost with the passing of time. Thus he began writing an extensive journal for his private use, and this book contains selected content from this journal.    

The author’s relationship with others is paramount to the stories that he tells.  Though it is definitely not a political or historical book, we see some aspects of both as his stories unfold through narrative that is written with deep feelings and honesty.  Love is the thread that binds all the stories together—the love of a small child for his homeland, parents and relatives.  His experiences, before and after the revolution, are told in a truthful and often humorous way, but there is no doubt that they eternally impacted his life.  As he relates memories of his grandparents’ house—a home for all—as well as the more modern house into which his family moved, readers see the world clearly through his young eyes. As an adult, the author uses his talent for writing to share both the bad and good memories of his early years in Cuba.  There were terrifying experiences and situations—ones that he was happy to leave behind when he came to America.  Still, they do not take away the memories of the way it once had been. 

Cuba, I Remember You is a book about family, love, relationships, and survival in difficult circumstances that all readers will find to be a wonderful reading experience.  Family photographs illustrate the 14 short stories, making the narrative even more interesting.  It is a personal story, and though autobiographical, it is a fascinating book, blending humor and love with adventure and reality. The author succeeds in giving his family and homeland immortality through written words.  This is a MUST READ! 

Bettie Corbin Tucker
For IP Book Reviewers