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Title: In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd by Ana Menendez ISBN: 0-8021-3887-X Publisher: Grove Press Pub. Date: 01 May, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.91 (11 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Understanding Exile
Comment: The stories Ana Menendez collected in her work "In Cuba I was a German Shepherd," have no direct link to each other in the traditional sense of a unified plot working throughout the book. Rather, these stories and their sometimes-overlapping characters share an inherent links and themes that give the book a general sense of unity. One important and omnipresent unifying theme projected in the collection of stories includes romanticizing the past and its affect on the present for each of the characters. When speaking chronologically, past and present appear diametrically opposed in their position on time's arrow. However, Menendez argues that the two remain inseparable in the exilic condition, as the past maintains the place of greatest prominence for her characters amidst the background of the present, not vice versa. Without the past, the characters would lose their interpretation and understanding of the present, as well as the comfort generated by reflecting on the beauties and idiosyncrasies of their Cuban heritage. This backward view on life and its beauty serves as a unifying experience for the exile community and definitely maintains a prominent position in the bittersweet realities of the present.
Rating: 4
Summary: Catchy Title, Enjoyable Read
Comment: As I walked through the bookstore the other day, a yellow cover with the title "In Cuba I was a German Shepherd" caught my eye and I stopped to read the first few pages. Ana Menendez's eloquent use of the English language pulled me in enough to purchase the book, and I must admit that I didn't regret it.
This is a wonderful collection of short stories about Cuban immigrants and their children. An easy read with a free-flowing style, it was hard for me to put this book down. Yes, the other reviewers are correct in saying that in some stories the characters aren't fully developed, but that doesn't detract too much from the overall feel of the book. I walked away with a somewhat greater understanding of the Cuban community in Miami which is unique in and of itself, but is also very similar to other immigrant communities that also place importance on family, friendships and respect.
If you're looking for a quick read at the beach or on a plane, go ahead and pick up this catchy title, then sit back and savor Menendez's beautiful string of words.
Rating: 1
Summary: Not my kind of book
Comment: I can definitely see how some people would enjoy this book, but it didn't do much for me. I felt some stories were too long winded, especially the one where the husband is having a sleepless night and keeps worrying about his wife's faithfulness to him. It was torture trying to get through that and other stories. Sure, the author could write beautifully, but I didn't feel like I learned anything from the stories or the novel as a whole. A disappointing read.
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Title: Loving Che by Ana Menendez ISBN: 0871139081 Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press Pub. Date: 01 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $22.00 |
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Title: Dancing With Cuba: A Memoir of the Revolution by Alma Guillermoprieto, Esther Allen ISBN: 0375420932 Publisher: Pantheon Books Pub. Date: 01 February, 2004 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
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Title: Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy by Carlos M. N. Eire ISBN: 0743246411 Publisher: Free Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Cubanisimo: The Vintage Book of Contemporary Cuban Literature by Cristina Garcia ISBN: 0385721374 Publisher: Vintage Books USA Pub. Date: 22 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Raining Backwards by Roberto G. Fernandez ISBN: 1558852239 Publisher: Arte Publico Pr Pub. Date: 01 March, 1997 List Price(USD): $11.95 |
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