Get Free Shipping on orders over $89
The Optimistic Cuban : A novel - Jose Sotolongo

The Optimistic Cuban

A novel

By: Jose Sotolongo

Paperback | 7 October 2025

At a Glance

Paperback


$40.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $10.19 with

 or 

Ships in 5 to 10 business days

In a city torn by revolution, his heart is caught between love, loyalty, and the price of freedom.

In 1959 Havana, middle-class student activist Fernando fights against the corrupt, U.S.-backed Batista regime. Initially elated by the success of Castro's Communist Revolution, Fernando's excitement soon fades as he grapples with the harsh realities of the new government's oppression.

Meanwhile, his beloved Julia and best friend Gustavo, who come from impoverished Black families, are hopeful that the Revolution will bring long-awaited social change. This difference in political beliefs creates friction, but Fernando's feelings for Julia remain strong. When faced with challenges to his personal life and values, Fernando must navigate a world of divided loyalties, harsh political realities, and deep social divides.

As tensions mount, Fernando finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his homeland and a future elsewhere. Ultimately, he faces a choice that will test his beliefs, his loyalties, and the depth of his love.

More in Modern & Contemporary Fiction

Pilbara - Judy Nunn

Paperback

RRP $34.99

$19.99

43%
OFF
My Year As A Fraud - Johanna Swanberg

$38.75

The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up - Kate Solly

RRP $34.99

$19.99

43%
OFF
When I Am Sixty-Four - Debra Adelaide

RRP $34.99

$22.99

34%
OFF
DeAth Takes a Holiday - Shaun Micallef

RRP $34.99

$22.99

34%
OFF
The Society of Literary Marauders - Sasha Wasley

RRP $34.99

$24.99

29%
OFF
Game On : Into Darkness - Navessa Allen

RRP $24.99

$17.99

28%
OFF
Start at the End - Emma Grey

RRP $34.99

$19.99

43%
OFF
Once We Were Wildlife : Stories - Inga Simpson

RRP $29.99

$24.99

17%
OFF
The Chateau on Sunset - Natasha Lester

RRP $34.99

$19.99

43%
OFF
The General Hospital : A Menzies Mental Health Novel - Anne Buist
The Names : 'The best debut novel in years' Sunday Times - Florence Knapp
Daughter of Crows : Academy of Kindness - Mark Lawrence

RRP $34.99

$24.99

29%
OFF
The Astral Library - Kate Quinn

RRP $34.99

$22.99

34%
OFF
We Do Not Part - Han Kang

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF
Flesh : WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 2025 - David Szalay

RRP $24.99

$19.99

20%
OFF
Click - Sarah Bailey

Paperback

RRP $34.99

$19.99

43%
OFF
Hooked - Asako Yuzuki

Paperback

RRP $34.99

$19.99

43%
OFF
Juice - Tim Winton

Paperback

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF