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The Optimistic Cuban: A novel
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.
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.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 2, 2025
Cuban nationalist historical fiction author Jose Sotolongo gives readers a unique story using the backdrop of the Cuban Revolution while telling the the story of a young man (Fernando Leal) coming of age in the tumultuous period of the mid to late 1950s.
The Optimistic Cuban pulls the curtains back of a lesser known historical period of the Cuban Revolution and leaves readers immersed in the setting of Havana and the political turmoil.
Thank you to author and publisher (Histria Books) for the advanced eARC via NetGalley.
The novel was released on October 7, 2025. All opinions are my own.
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The Optimistic Cuban pulls the curtains back of a lesser known historical period of the Cuban Revolution and leaves readers immersed in the setting of Havana and the political turmoil.
Thank you to author and publisher (Histria Books) for the advanced eARC via NetGalley.
The novel was released on October 7, 2025. All opinions are my own.
🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺 🇨🇺
January 1, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Cuba’s transition from the Batista regime to the beginnings of Castro’s rule, as experienced by the main character. I’ve always had a vague idea of the events that took place but I was about ten years old at the time and was undoubtedly interested in less momentous things. Author Jose Sotolongo brings to life Cuba’s vibrant but troubled culture through Fernando’s interactions with family, friends, loves, fellow students, and coworkers.
I found the format of short, numerous chapters (78 in all) unusual but enjoyable, making for an enlightening reading experience. Thanks to the author for filling in a few blank spaces in my historical knowledge.
I recommend this novel to all.
I found the format of short, numerous chapters (78 in all) unusual but enjoyable, making for an enlightening reading experience. Thanks to the author for filling in a few blank spaces in my historical knowledge.
I recommend this novel to all.
November 29, 2025
I went into this novel with a bit of blanket/basic knowledge of Cuban history. The Optimistic Cuban takes the political shifts and upheaval as Cuba transferred power from Batista to Castro and puts a very real, sometimes emotional, humanistic perspective on it.
The novel is primarily through the lens of Fernando. From the beginning, it is clear that Fernando is prideful and passionate about his country. He is a university student living a comfortable life with his parents. Yet, he yearns for a better Cuba. Throughout, there are also glimpses of Fernando’s friends and family members points’ of view. It really gives a wholistic look at how and why some supported Batista while others didn’t, how it could divide families and create voids in friendships.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Thank you NetGalley and Histria Books for an ARC of The Optimistic Cuban.
The novel is primarily through the lens of Fernando. From the beginning, it is clear that Fernando is prideful and passionate about his country. He is a university student living a comfortable life with his parents. Yet, he yearns for a better Cuba. Throughout, there are also glimpses of Fernando’s friends and family members points’ of view. It really gives a wholistic look at how and why some supported Batista while others didn’t, how it could divide families and create voids in friendships.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Thank you NetGalley and Histria Books for an ARC of The Optimistic Cuban.
December 11, 2025
Loved the book. Timely discussion of the dangers of autocracy and the importance of protecting democracy and liberty.
A boy coming of age, his family, his friends and his island community bravely and barely cope with a corrupt and punishing dictatorship in what was once the beautiful fledgling democracy of Cuba.
I love how this novel deftly weaves the intimate human experiences of its characters into the political life of Cuba in the 50s as surely it must have happened. The novel firmly places you in that time and place. You feel the awful weight of the autocratic and incredibly repressive government of Batista's Cuba in the 50s and its lasting tragic aftermath.
It's largely told through the eyes of a young man coming of age with lofty democratic ideals and his small group of student friends who attempt peaceful protests and information sharing in a society that beats its citizens into submission and assassinates those who can't be subdued.
The story centers around the daily life of a conservative family rooted in Spanish tradition but during a time of great cultural and political upheaval. The story lays bare this historical lesson; when we neglect the nourishment and support of democratic institutions we do so at our own terrible peril.
The author clearly shows us what is surely a universal truth; that great dangers exist on the autocratic right and the authoritarian left.
The stories told here place the reader in a simmering caldron that grapples with race and class, privilege and discrimination, and traditional conservative values juxtaposed against the liberation that only accompanies freedom of expression and loving equality, and does all of this, in a heartfelt manner.
A boy coming of age, his family, his friends and his island community bravely and barely cope with a corrupt and punishing dictatorship in what was once the beautiful fledgling democracy of Cuba.
I love how this novel deftly weaves the intimate human experiences of its characters into the political life of Cuba in the 50s as surely it must have happened. The novel firmly places you in that time and place. You feel the awful weight of the autocratic and incredibly repressive government of Batista's Cuba in the 50s and its lasting tragic aftermath.
It's largely told through the eyes of a young man coming of age with lofty democratic ideals and his small group of student friends who attempt peaceful protests and information sharing in a society that beats its citizens into submission and assassinates those who can't be subdued.
The story centers around the daily life of a conservative family rooted in Spanish tradition but during a time of great cultural and political upheaval. The story lays bare this historical lesson; when we neglect the nourishment and support of democratic institutions we do so at our own terrible peril.
The author clearly shows us what is surely a universal truth; that great dangers exist on the autocratic right and the authoritarian left.
The stories told here place the reader in a simmering caldron that grapples with race and class, privilege and discrimination, and traditional conservative values juxtaposed against the liberation that only accompanies freedom of expression and loving equality, and does all of this, in a heartfelt manner.
September 21, 2025
‘Why do we go from one dictatorship to another?” – An important and timely novel!
Cuban born José Sotolongo is both a novelist and a poet, and in addition to his presence in significant journals, he continues to pen novels with impact - THE SCENTED CHRYSALIS and now THE OPTIMISTIC CUBAN. José lives in rural central New York.
The eloquence of José’s writing is matched by his inordinately sensitive insights evident from the opening of this book: ‘1956 An ominous, laden Caribbean air gathered over the university as the students assembled on the steps to protest. The Romanesque arches over the portico blurred in the humidity, as if they too wanted to hide. Fernando felt an immobilizing fear that moistened the hair in his armpits and his groin something akin to paralysis but more toxic, like venom in his veins…most of them, like Fernando, just wanted the dictatorship gone.’
With this signature degree of wisdom, original thought, and sensitivity the story unfolds, and inserting the author’s summary of the book assists appreciation: ‘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.’ The story ends in 1965, and the progress of Fernando’s spirit growth is deeply inspiring.
With consummate skill Sotolongo visits the history of his native Cuba in a way that invites understanding not only of that country’s political stresses but also a mirror for the current undercurrent in America. His well-scribed story blends impressive romantic threads with political forays and the result is a novel that initiates both thought and entertaining admiration. Very highly recommended!
Cuban born José Sotolongo is both a novelist and a poet, and in addition to his presence in significant journals, he continues to pen novels with impact - THE SCENTED CHRYSALIS and now THE OPTIMISTIC CUBAN. José lives in rural central New York.
The eloquence of José’s writing is matched by his inordinately sensitive insights evident from the opening of this book: ‘1956 An ominous, laden Caribbean air gathered over the university as the students assembled on the steps to protest. The Romanesque arches over the portico blurred in the humidity, as if they too wanted to hide. Fernando felt an immobilizing fear that moistened the hair in his armpits and his groin something akin to paralysis but more toxic, like venom in his veins…most of them, like Fernando, just wanted the dictatorship gone.’
With this signature degree of wisdom, original thought, and sensitivity the story unfolds, and inserting the author’s summary of the book assists appreciation: ‘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.’ The story ends in 1965, and the progress of Fernando’s spirit growth is deeply inspiring.
With consummate skill Sotolongo visits the history of his native Cuba in a way that invites understanding not only of that country’s political stresses but also a mirror for the current undercurrent in America. His well-scribed story blends impressive romantic threads with political forays and the result is a novel that initiates both thought and entertaining admiration. Very highly recommended!
January 6, 2026
Jose Sotolongo is an adept writer who spins multiple plot threads, each its own part of the complete story and each with its own characters. He masterfully weaves everything together in a complex yet tight fabric. From the protagonist Fernando and the rest of the Leal family—-to his brother Luis, Father Armando, mother Elena and housekeeper Ines—-the reader is mesmerized with their unique pathways, socio-economic backgrounds and political alliances. And each lead character brings new relationships outside of the Leal family lines.
Sotolongo manages to craft an epic story set in a pre- and post- revolutionary Havana. Some of the characters taking part in the revolution, others backing off for self-protection and still other caught in the crossfire. He does so with such economy of scale; he is a master of making every word count.
We are wrapped safely in this story and protected from disappointment as readers. And the ending, for this reader, came as an unexpected, thought-provoking surprise.
He takes good care of us!
Sotolongo manages to craft an epic story set in a pre- and post- revolutionary Havana. Some of the characters taking part in the revolution, others backing off for self-protection and still other caught in the crossfire. He does so with such economy of scale; he is a master of making every word count.
We are wrapped safely in this story and protected from disappointment as readers. And the ending, for this reader, came as an unexpected, thought-provoking surprise.
He takes good care of us!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews