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Paskutinis šokis Havanoje
Kuba, 1958. Šešiolikmetė Eliza susipažįsta su Duardu ir nuo pat pirmos akimirkos, kai jiedu pradeda šokti rumbą Havanos senamiesčio bare, suvokia, kad jis – jos gyvenimo meilė. Tačiau Duardas aktyviai remia Kastro idėjas ir prisideda prie jo kovos, o Eliza priversta išvažiuoti iš gimtinės ir pradėti naują gyvenimą tolimojoje Anglijoje. Čia ji pritampa, bet taip ir negali pamiršti Havanos karščio ir ausyse vis dar skambančios rumbos motyvų.
Anglija, 2012. Greisės santykiai su tėvu – sudėtingi, ji kaltina tėvą dėl to, kad taip anksti neteko mylimos motinos. O šiemet jai kaip niekada anksčiau reikia patikimo peties, į kurį galėtų atsiremti. Greisė kardinaliai pakeitė veiklą, negali apsispręsti, ar nori kūdikio, jaučia vyro spaudimą susilaukti atžalos, o blogiausia, kad pajunta įsimylėjusi artimiausią šeimos draugą Teo. Jis – Kuboje gimęs magas. Tas amžinas meilės trikampis... Greisę slegia abejonės, ar dėl įsiplieskusios aistros verta statyti ant kortos ramią šeimos laimę.
Ir Elizai, ir Greisei tenka apsispręsti, ko jos abi trokšta iš gyvenimo. Ar užteks ryžto pasielgti drąsiai, nors sėkmingos baigties niekas negarantuoja?
Anglija, 2012. Greisės santykiai su tėvu – sudėtingi, ji kaltina tėvą dėl to, kad taip anksti neteko mylimos motinos. O šiemet jai kaip niekada anksčiau reikia patikimo peties, į kurį galėtų atsiremti. Greisė kardinaliai pakeitė veiklą, negali apsispręsti, ar nori kūdikio, jaučia vyro spaudimą susilaukti atžalos, o blogiausia, kad pajunta įsimylėjusi artimiausią šeimos draugą Teo. Jis – Kuboje gimęs magas. Tas amžinas meilės trikampis... Greisę slegia abejonės, ar dėl įsiplieskusios aistros verta statyti ant kortos ramią šeimos laimę.
Ir Elizai, ir Greisei tenka apsispręsti, ko jos abi trokšta iš gyvenimo. Ar užteks ryžto pasielgti drąsiai, nors sėkmingos baigties niekas negarantuoja?
432 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2016
61 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Rosanna Ley
19 books223 followersRosanna Ley has worked as a creative writing tutor for over 15 years. Affiliated to several colleges and universities in England, she also runs her own writing courses in the UK and abroad. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and completed an MA in creative writing for personal development in order to support this. Her writing holidays and retreats take place in stunning locations in Italy and Spain and whilst not teaching or writing she mentors and appraises the work of new writers. Rosanna has had numerous articles and short stories published in UK magazines, and 12 novels of contemporary fiction published in the U.K, Germany, Greece and the U.S.A under a pseudonym. Her books are inspired by the culture and landscapes of Italy, Sicily and the Canary Islands and feature strong female voices from the past and present, along with an intense undercurrent of mystery and romance. Rosanna spends some time every year travelling around Europe looking for writing inspiration and more tranquil settings for writing holidays. She loves cliff walking and her favourite writing place is somewhere with a sea view. When she is not travelling, Rosanna lives with her artist husband in a Victorian cottage in West Dorset by the sea.
(From the author's website)
(From the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 28, 2023
Well, an easy beach read, the plot is not bad but nevertheless something is missing in this book... Left me without any emotion towards any character or situation... Covers are better than the book... This is one of those books you read and in 2-3 months you completely forget about them... And me reading it just few pages every few days for a month tells a lot about not being hooked on this book...
November 29, 2023
Įdomi knyga, bet kažko truputi trūko.
July 14, 2017
Intriguing from the start, Last Dance in Havana is a captivating novel from Rosanna Ley, with beautiful, evocative writing and an engaging blend of two timelines from Bristol, England in 2012 to Havana, Cuba in 1958. This novel was really exquisitely told and within the first few chapters, I was engrossed with the story and caring for the characters.
In Havana, 1958, we meet sixteen year old Elisa. When asked for a dance by Duardo, she is completely swept off her feet and they fall desperately in love with each other. But life has other ideas for the two of them and their romance is cut short. Elisa moves to England.
In Bristol, 2012, we meet Grace, who is an extremely conflicted character. Having a very uneasy relationship with her father, she’s also torn between two men – her husband, Robbie, who is eager for them to start a family, and their best friend Theo, who she feels like she’s falling in love with.
Last Dance in Havana is both tenderly and honestly written and the tone to the book was just perfect. Rosanna’s style of writing made this book easy to dip in and out but only a matter of minutes after putting the book down, I had to pick it up again because I was really heavily in anticipation of discovering the secrets the characters were keeping, the difficult choices they were going to make and the satisfying endings to their stories.
I liked both Elisa and Grace’s characters for different reasons. Elisa was caring and considerate and spent a lot of time putting other people first. I found her relationship with Philip fascinating and their companionship felt real in the way that not all partners are madly in love with each other. Yet it was love that really crafted Elisa as a character because deep down it felt like that was what she craved the most and that was what she was missing as she remembered Duardo so fondly.
Grace’s story was driven by her choices and as she was torn between two men, I have to admit I really didn’t know which way she was going to turn. Despite her getting caught up in feelings for someone other than her husband, I never disliked her character. She was only human, after all, and I felt for her and as the reader we’re really allowed, quite closely, to follow the conflicting emotions Grace has and I was on tenterhooks waiting to see how things would turn out for her character.
Although I loved following both Elisa and Grace, Philip’s story was also one that I really responded too. It’s very early on in the book where you are aware that he is relying on alcohol far too often but oh I really cared for his character. I felt desperately sad for him at times – sad that he couldn’t even begin to reconnect with his daughter and sad that alcohol felt like the only option for him to deal with life. Rosanna wrote this aspect to the story sensitively but realistically too and I was very much drawn in to Philip’s story as it blended seamlessly into both Elisa and Grace’s stories too.
One thing that I absolutely adored about this novel was how Rosanna set the scene, in particular in Havana which was described sublimely. The balmy sunny conditions, the mood of the dance, the bars and the music and ultimately the feelings – everything was crafted so beautifully and I could really get a feel for the story because I bought into Rosanna’s every word. The setting and the charming writing makes Last Dance in Havana an ideal read for the summer, with a tale of dance, addiction and forbidden love waiting to unfold in front of you. This is a book I will miss now it’s over, although I am looking forward to reading Rosanna’s previous novels, most of which are already sat on my bookshelf waiting for me.
In Havana, 1958, we meet sixteen year old Elisa. When asked for a dance by Duardo, she is completely swept off her feet and they fall desperately in love with each other. But life has other ideas for the two of them and their romance is cut short. Elisa moves to England.
In Bristol, 2012, we meet Grace, who is an extremely conflicted character. Having a very uneasy relationship with her father, she’s also torn between two men – her husband, Robbie, who is eager for them to start a family, and their best friend Theo, who she feels like she’s falling in love with.
Last Dance in Havana is both tenderly and honestly written and the tone to the book was just perfect. Rosanna’s style of writing made this book easy to dip in and out but only a matter of minutes after putting the book down, I had to pick it up again because I was really heavily in anticipation of discovering the secrets the characters were keeping, the difficult choices they were going to make and the satisfying endings to their stories.
I liked both Elisa and Grace’s characters for different reasons. Elisa was caring and considerate and spent a lot of time putting other people first. I found her relationship with Philip fascinating and their companionship felt real in the way that not all partners are madly in love with each other. Yet it was love that really crafted Elisa as a character because deep down it felt like that was what she craved the most and that was what she was missing as she remembered Duardo so fondly.
Grace’s story was driven by her choices and as she was torn between two men, I have to admit I really didn’t know which way she was going to turn. Despite her getting caught up in feelings for someone other than her husband, I never disliked her character. She was only human, after all, and I felt for her and as the reader we’re really allowed, quite closely, to follow the conflicting emotions Grace has and I was on tenterhooks waiting to see how things would turn out for her character.
Although I loved following both Elisa and Grace, Philip’s story was also one that I really responded too. It’s very early on in the book where you are aware that he is relying on alcohol far too often but oh I really cared for his character. I felt desperately sad for him at times – sad that he couldn’t even begin to reconnect with his daughter and sad that alcohol felt like the only option for him to deal with life. Rosanna wrote this aspect to the story sensitively but realistically too and I was very much drawn in to Philip’s story as it blended seamlessly into both Elisa and Grace’s stories too.
One thing that I absolutely adored about this novel was how Rosanna set the scene, in particular in Havana which was described sublimely. The balmy sunny conditions, the mood of the dance, the bars and the music and ultimately the feelings – everything was crafted so beautifully and I could really get a feel for the story because I bought into Rosanna’s every word. The setting and the charming writing makes Last Dance in Havana an ideal read for the summer, with a tale of dance, addiction and forbidden love waiting to unfold in front of you. This is a book I will miss now it’s over, although I am looking forward to reading Rosanna’s previous novels, most of which are already sat on my bookshelf waiting for me.
July 2, 2016
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2016/0...
From the sensuous beginning in 1957 when 15 year old Elisa dances the Rumba with Duardo in La Cueva I knew Last Dance in Havana was going to be a story that would pull on my heartstrings. Already it was so easy to fall into the place and time with the people. I enjoyed the format of coming back to this time through reflections while we are following Elisa and Grace's life in Bristol in 2012. Not only a part of Grace's maturing and realisations in modern day but also Elisa's life and how she came to be where she was.
Where there are two female leads I often feel more of a connection to one and if you would have asked me in the first half of the story I would have said Elisa. I didn't like Grace very much and wondered how she could have been so blind not to have seen what I did as a reader. But of course she was a child and as such was looking at the world through a child's perspective. Over that half way mark I began to take her into my heart and my feelings changed towards her. However, from the moment Rosalyn (Duardo's mum) came into the story she totally drew me in and didn't let go. Matriarch, possessive, daunting and demanding she is the character who grows the most (in my opinion)! She caused such a tangle of emotions in me ... While I'm talking about characters, I didn't feel much towards Robbie but felt the passion of Cuban history and culture in Duardo very compelling and the intensity of Theo very attractive :) Grace's dad Philip will also tie you up in knots of emotion!
As the lives of our characters are slowly unveiled there was plenty of intrigue and questions. How did ... ? Why did ... ? What has ... ? What happened ... ? Perhaps ... ? I love this. Keeps me turning those pages :)
There's some great wisdom on marriage. Something that Grace said made me reflect:
When did you stop listening, really holding on to everything your partner said as if it was precious, as if it might tell you something more about them?
From those early days where we want to know everything about each other and spend hours and hours (even all night) just talking - to a time when it's easy to stop listening as we go about the mundanity of our days. I admit I've spent more time listening since reading Last Dance.
I loved the Cuban setting and the passion of the people towards politics/freedom and life. With their history woven into each of their characters Rosanna tackles the change and movement that is needed to ensure life doesn't stagnate. The scene with Theo and Grace in the ruined sugar plantation at Trinidad is very powerful.
I've been watching Rumba's on YouTube (very easy to imagine Elisa's Cuba) and I would love to try Moros y Christianos. I think you can tell the effect Last Dance in Havana has had on me ... Rosanna explores the themes of power and control within culture, families and romantic love extremely well. It is without a doubt an emotional read on many levels. It was hard to read the ending through a blur of tears (perfect, just perfect).
Last Dance in Havana is a must read. Add it to your e-reader or pack it in your luggage for your summer holiday but don't get too engrossed that you forget the time or forget to replenish your sunscreen.
I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy as part of #QuercusSummer in exchange for an honest review.
From the sensuous beginning in 1957 when 15 year old Elisa dances the Rumba with Duardo in La Cueva I knew Last Dance in Havana was going to be a story that would pull on my heartstrings. Already it was so easy to fall into the place and time with the people. I enjoyed the format of coming back to this time through reflections while we are following Elisa and Grace's life in Bristol in 2012. Not only a part of Grace's maturing and realisations in modern day but also Elisa's life and how she came to be where she was.
Where there are two female leads I often feel more of a connection to one and if you would have asked me in the first half of the story I would have said Elisa. I didn't like Grace very much and wondered how she could have been so blind not to have seen what I did as a reader. But of course she was a child and as such was looking at the world through a child's perspective. Over that half way mark I began to take her into my heart and my feelings changed towards her. However, from the moment Rosalyn (Duardo's mum) came into the story she totally drew me in and didn't let go. Matriarch, possessive, daunting and demanding she is the character who grows the most (in my opinion)! She caused such a tangle of emotions in me ... While I'm talking about characters, I didn't feel much towards Robbie but felt the passion of Cuban history and culture in Duardo very compelling and the intensity of Theo very attractive :) Grace's dad Philip will also tie you up in knots of emotion!
As the lives of our characters are slowly unveiled there was plenty of intrigue and questions. How did ... ? Why did ... ? What has ... ? What happened ... ? Perhaps ... ? I love this. Keeps me turning those pages :)
There's some great wisdom on marriage. Something that Grace said made me reflect:
When did you stop listening, really holding on to everything your partner said as if it was precious, as if it might tell you something more about them?
From those early days where we want to know everything about each other and spend hours and hours (even all night) just talking - to a time when it's easy to stop listening as we go about the mundanity of our days. I admit I've spent more time listening since reading Last Dance.
I loved the Cuban setting and the passion of the people towards politics/freedom and life. With their history woven into each of their characters Rosanna tackles the change and movement that is needed to ensure life doesn't stagnate. The scene with Theo and Grace in the ruined sugar plantation at Trinidad is very powerful.
I've been watching Rumba's on YouTube (very easy to imagine Elisa's Cuba) and I would love to try Moros y Christianos. I think you can tell the effect Last Dance in Havana has had on me ... Rosanna explores the themes of power and control within culture, families and romantic love extremely well. It is without a doubt an emotional read on many levels. It was hard to read the ending through a blur of tears (perfect, just perfect).
Last Dance in Havana is a must read. Add it to your e-reader or pack it in your luggage for your summer holiday but don't get too engrossed that you forget the time or forget to replenish your sunscreen.
I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy as part of #QuercusSummer in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2017
Booktrail the locations in Last Dance in Havana here
As soon as I picked up this book, I could feel the rhythm of the rumba and the passion of the story within. The dust from the Havana streets coated my fingers as I turned the pages, the taste of rum on my lips and the rhythm of the music made it hard to turn the pages as reading it I just became intoxicated with everything that was going on.
By page seven I was sweating with the heat of the Cuban sun and the rumba as I too danced around that room with Duardo. Sweeping my brow, I knew, just knew that this was going to be another one of Rosanna Leys’s mesmerizing stories and I was not wrong.
I should say that I love anything Spanish/Cuban related and especially the music. Rosanna paints a rich tapestry of sight and sound. From the rusty old cars on the streets, to the heady midday sun and the dusty streets leading to bars where inside the world comes alive…
The interwoven stories are very cleverly done and one moment I was hot in Havana only to be thrust across the world, to rainy Bristol. This contrast of locations made me feel the contrast of what the characters must be going through and how two very different cultures can be worlds apart. Both stories were very compelling and they wove more tightly I was trapped like a bejewelled shawl between two passionate dancers.
This just has to be on the big screen – the dancing is electric and the Cuban history dramatically brought to life. Cuba has had some turbulent history and this is one insight into the very real human cost of revolution, war and distance. We see the spot where Cuba was born, the monuments to their leader, Castro and Che too and the reality of the every day.
I can hear the music of that rumba now, leading me into a merry dance of love, hope, loss and family. I was led one direction and then pulled the other so that I had to stop and sit down after this dramatic performance. I felt every step of the magical journey Rosanna had just taken me on.
Highly recommended! With a glass of rum and a bowl of “Moros y Cristianos”
As soon as I picked up this book, I could feel the rhythm of the rumba and the passion of the story within. The dust from the Havana streets coated my fingers as I turned the pages, the taste of rum on my lips and the rhythm of the music made it hard to turn the pages as reading it I just became intoxicated with everything that was going on.
By page seven I was sweating with the heat of the Cuban sun and the rumba as I too danced around that room with Duardo. Sweeping my brow, I knew, just knew that this was going to be another one of Rosanna Leys’s mesmerizing stories and I was not wrong.
I should say that I love anything Spanish/Cuban related and especially the music. Rosanna paints a rich tapestry of sight and sound. From the rusty old cars on the streets, to the heady midday sun and the dusty streets leading to bars where inside the world comes alive…
The interwoven stories are very cleverly done and one moment I was hot in Havana only to be thrust across the world, to rainy Bristol. This contrast of locations made me feel the contrast of what the characters must be going through and how two very different cultures can be worlds apart. Both stories were very compelling and they wove more tightly I was trapped like a bejewelled shawl between two passionate dancers.
This just has to be on the big screen – the dancing is electric and the Cuban history dramatically brought to life. Cuba has had some turbulent history and this is one insight into the very real human cost of revolution, war and distance. We see the spot where Cuba was born, the monuments to their leader, Castro and Che too and the reality of the every day.
I can hear the music of that rumba now, leading me into a merry dance of love, hope, loss and family. I was led one direction and then pulled the other so that I had to stop and sit down after this dramatic performance. I felt every step of the magical journey Rosanna had just taken me on.
Highly recommended! With a glass of rum and a bowl of “Moros y Cristianos”
May 20, 2016
I have been looking forward to reading Last Dance in Havana firstly because I have never read any of Rosanna Ley’s books and I love discovering new authors but also because I have always longed to visit Cuba and although my purse won’t allow me to go I thought this would be a perfect little teaser trip.
The storyline moves between two time frames Cuba in 1958 and England in 2012. We meet Elisa in Cuba when she is only a teen, she meets the love of her life Duardo in Havana as they danced the rumba but with the odds stacked against them will their love last the test of time. We meet Grace in England and we see early on that she has a very strained relationship with her father. She is in a very difficult time of her life where she has come to a cross roads should she just take the easy safe path or should she follow her heart and turn her whole life upside down?
Eliza was such an endearing character who put everyone’s happiness and needs before her own and I just longed for a happy ever after for her. Grace was a more complex character and I found my feelings towards her constantly changing throughout the book. At times I was shocked by her actions and wanted to throttle her, then at other points I sympathised with her and hoped that she would make the right decision in the end. I found Grace’s story unpredictable I was sitting on the fence not sure which path she would chose.
Rosanna Ley has brought Cuba to life with her vibrant details, showing not only the charm of the country that draws people back but also showing the darker struggles the country and the Cubans have had to face. The author has quite clearly spent some time in Cuba and has absorbed a lot of Havana’s history. I found this such an evocative and charming read, my longing to visit Cuba has just magnified thanks to this book and I can’t wait to discover more of this authors books.
The storyline moves between two time frames Cuba in 1958 and England in 2012. We meet Elisa in Cuba when she is only a teen, she meets the love of her life Duardo in Havana as they danced the rumba but with the odds stacked against them will their love last the test of time. We meet Grace in England and we see early on that she has a very strained relationship with her father. She is in a very difficult time of her life where she has come to a cross roads should she just take the easy safe path or should she follow her heart and turn her whole life upside down?
Eliza was such an endearing character who put everyone’s happiness and needs before her own and I just longed for a happy ever after for her. Grace was a more complex character and I found my feelings towards her constantly changing throughout the book. At times I was shocked by her actions and wanted to throttle her, then at other points I sympathised with her and hoped that she would make the right decision in the end. I found Grace’s story unpredictable I was sitting on the fence not sure which path she would chose.
Rosanna Ley has brought Cuba to life with her vibrant details, showing not only the charm of the country that draws people back but also showing the darker struggles the country and the Cubans have had to face. The author has quite clearly spent some time in Cuba and has absorbed a lot of Havana’s history. I found this such an evocative and charming read, my longing to visit Cuba has just magnified thanks to this book and I can’t wait to discover more of this authors books.
June 9, 2018
Gyvenimas nėra tiesi linija. Link tikslo veda vingiai, vingeliai, klystkeliai, kilpos, vos ne sugrįžimas į tą pačią vietą. Elizos Meilė prasidėjusi Rumbos ritmu La Cueva Havanoje 1958 m. nukeliaus tiesiai per aplinkui, kol vėl vienas bus priešais kitą, bet iki to dar susipažinsime su jos įdukros Greisės gyvenimu, kuri lygiai taip pat keliauja savo vingiuotą kelią link trokštamo tikslo. Pasakojimas tarp dviejų valstybių, dviejų skirtingų moterų, pagardintas gera sauja kubietiškų prieskonių bei vidinės kovos, pasirinkimų.
June 22, 2016
Last Dance in Havana is set between two time frames, mainly England in 2012 and Cuba in 1958. Although two different countries it connects the main characters in the book.
Elisa, as a Teenager met and fell in love with Duardo in Havana, they spent many days and nights dancing but their love is met with complications as Duardo decides he wants to be a part of the Cuban revolution and nothing will stop him. As life moves on, many years later, Elisa still longs for Duardo and what their life could of been in Cuba. Elisa now has another life in England, a husband and step daughter Grace. Will she stay true to her new life or will she follow her broken heart to find Duardo?. Grace, who doesnt get along with her dad very well, has her own problems. Her husband wants to have children and Grace isnt keen. Having fallen for their best friend Theo and sharing some moments, will Grace follow her heart or will she stay in a life she doesnt want nor is happy with?.
Both Elisa and Grace must figure out what they want from life, without the sadness and longing they both crave a new life, but will they get that in England or Cuba?.
I took a whille to read this, not because of not enjoying it but the fact at times i felt it was deep and some stuff was going over my head especially revisting the history of the country. Rosanna Ley has her own style of writing and knows how to capture her audience. She has obviously done a LOT of research.The detail in her writing is different and she gets lost amongst the colours, sounds, smells and sights of Cuba. I felt we got a past and present picture of Cuba.
It was great how everything connected and i liked the different dynamic of the relationships explored. This book makes you think and i look forward to more from Rosanna Ley.
Elisa, as a Teenager met and fell in love with Duardo in Havana, they spent many days and nights dancing but their love is met with complications as Duardo decides he wants to be a part of the Cuban revolution and nothing will stop him. As life moves on, many years later, Elisa still longs for Duardo and what their life could of been in Cuba. Elisa now has another life in England, a husband and step daughter Grace. Will she stay true to her new life or will she follow her broken heart to find Duardo?. Grace, who doesnt get along with her dad very well, has her own problems. Her husband wants to have children and Grace isnt keen. Having fallen for their best friend Theo and sharing some moments, will Grace follow her heart or will she stay in a life she doesnt want nor is happy with?.
Both Elisa and Grace must figure out what they want from life, without the sadness and longing they both crave a new life, but will they get that in England or Cuba?.
I took a whille to read this, not because of not enjoying it but the fact at times i felt it was deep and some stuff was going over my head especially revisting the history of the country. Rosanna Ley has her own style of writing and knows how to capture her audience. She has obviously done a LOT of research.The detail in her writing is different and she gets lost amongst the colours, sounds, smells and sights of Cuba. I felt we got a past and present picture of Cuba.
It was great how everything connected and i liked the different dynamic of the relationships explored. This book makes you think and i look forward to more from Rosanna Ley.
June 22, 2020
I last read anything by this author in 2014, (Bay of Secrets and The Villa both reviewed)and found her writing engaging.
At the moment during 'Coronavirus Times' I am finding that this is just the sort of writing that captures my attention.
A fascinating love story the interwoven timelines of Grace's modern day Bristol and Elisa's fifties Cuba, as they both struggle with heartbreak is told with a little intrigue. as they sort out their respective lives.
Already harbouring a desire to visit Cuba, this book with its vivid descriptions has definitely fanned the flame a little more.
Keen to read more of this authors work I have already added the unread titles by her to my wish list, in fact her latest paperback 'From Venice with Love' is due to be released in just a few days time. In conclusion then I recommend her writing to fans of Contemporary Romance and Armchair Travel. The latter of which at the moment feels important, certainly to me until we are able to travel safely again.
At the moment during 'Coronavirus Times' I am finding that this is just the sort of writing that captures my attention.
A fascinating love story the interwoven timelines of Grace's modern day Bristol and Elisa's fifties Cuba, as they both struggle with heartbreak is told with a little intrigue. as they sort out their respective lives.
Already harbouring a desire to visit Cuba, this book with its vivid descriptions has definitely fanned the flame a little more.
Keen to read more of this authors work I have already added the unread titles by her to my wish list, in fact her latest paperback 'From Venice with Love' is due to be released in just a few days time. In conclusion then I recommend her writing to fans of Contemporary Romance and Armchair Travel. The latter of which at the moment feels important, certainly to me until we are able to travel safely again.
August 5, 2024
Graži istorija. Nieko labai ypatingo, bet ir nėra prasta. Emocijų sukėlė visokių, tad vertinu tikrai neblogai.
July 11, 2021
To read my full review at mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com/2018...
Would you just take a minute to soak in the front cover!... I could quit happily jump into this cover. The tropical feel, from the palm tree leaves creeping at the top of the cover, the beautiful blue sky to the pink flowers outlining the bottom section of the cover. The scene on the cover shows a typical Havana street with white buildings and an old car. A lady in a pretty pink sun-dress and sun had is walking the street gazing at her surroundings. Rosanna's name is coloured in white and is a the top of the cover and the title is coloured in a rich pink; which ties in with the flowers and the lady's dress. I really like this cover a lot! It ticks all the boxes for me, its eye-catching, the title and author's name stands out; what's not to love about it?
I brought Last Dance in Havana on a rear shopping trip to a book shop. On having previously heard a lot of amazing things about Rosanna's books, plus the book is set in a place that interests me, so how could I not buy this book?
The first chapter the reader meet's Elisa (in the 50's) when she was sixteen, as she falls madly in love with Duardo after they share their first rumba dance together. Only Duardo is a rebel; set out to join Castro's army. Elisa's family highly disagree with their relationship and try desperately to keep them apart. The pair run away desperate to stay together especially when there was so much uncertainty in their country. However Duardo leaves Elisa to go off and fight leaving her all alone and afraid. She does the only thing she can and that's to return home to her parent's. On her return they are about to leave Havana and head off for a better life in the UK.
Then the story fast forward to 2012 and we meet Grace; Elisa's stepmother. Grace has got herself in a bind, with not just her career, but is also very unsure about starting a family with her husband and now she has started to develop feelings for their Cuban friend Theo. She also has father (Philip) issues; blaming him for the death of her mother, with all his drinking; which he continues to do now. Will Grace and her father confront the past before it's to late? Will Elisa do the same? Will Elise ever return to Cuba? Is Grace going to risk everything of Theo? Or will she start a family with her husband? Are these women happy?
I really enjoyed devouring Last Dance in Havana! It was everything I thought it would be! The plot of the story was so intriguing that I knew there was very little chance of me putting this book down. I felt for both Elisa and Grace as they try to deal with Philips alcoholism, and they way the hold so much of their emotions inside until they can't any longer. I thought the way the story flipped from the past to present; filling in the reader in on the history of Elisa. I adored Elisa's and Grace's friendship and how supportive they were to each other in times of need, I found it endearing! The story was very rich in Cuban culture and history, so not only did I enjoy the actual story but I learnt a bit about Cuba!
This is the first book of Rosanna's I have read and defiantly plan to seek more of her wonderful books. I think Last Dance in Havana is a top read in my eye's, and come's highly recommended for me!!!!!!
Would you just take a minute to soak in the front cover!... I could quit happily jump into this cover. The tropical feel, from the palm tree leaves creeping at the top of the cover, the beautiful blue sky to the pink flowers outlining the bottom section of the cover. The scene on the cover shows a typical Havana street with white buildings and an old car. A lady in a pretty pink sun-dress and sun had is walking the street gazing at her surroundings. Rosanna's name is coloured in white and is a the top of the cover and the title is coloured in a rich pink; which ties in with the flowers and the lady's dress. I really like this cover a lot! It ticks all the boxes for me, its eye-catching, the title and author's name stands out; what's not to love about it?
I brought Last Dance in Havana on a rear shopping trip to a book shop. On having previously heard a lot of amazing things about Rosanna's books, plus the book is set in a place that interests me, so how could I not buy this book?
The first chapter the reader meet's Elisa (in the 50's) when she was sixteen, as she falls madly in love with Duardo after they share their first rumba dance together. Only Duardo is a rebel; set out to join Castro's army. Elisa's family highly disagree with their relationship and try desperately to keep them apart. The pair run away desperate to stay together especially when there was so much uncertainty in their country. However Duardo leaves Elisa to go off and fight leaving her all alone and afraid. She does the only thing she can and that's to return home to her parent's. On her return they are about to leave Havana and head off for a better life in the UK.
Then the story fast forward to 2012 and we meet Grace; Elisa's stepmother. Grace has got herself in a bind, with not just her career, but is also very unsure about starting a family with her husband and now she has started to develop feelings for their Cuban friend Theo. She also has father (Philip) issues; blaming him for the death of her mother, with all his drinking; which he continues to do now. Will Grace and her father confront the past before it's to late? Will Elisa do the same? Will Elise ever return to Cuba? Is Grace going to risk everything of Theo? Or will she start a family with her husband? Are these women happy?
I really enjoyed devouring Last Dance in Havana! It was everything I thought it would be! The plot of the story was so intriguing that I knew there was very little chance of me putting this book down. I felt for both Elisa and Grace as they try to deal with Philips alcoholism, and they way the hold so much of their emotions inside until they can't any longer. I thought the way the story flipped from the past to present; filling in the reader in on the history of Elisa. I adored Elisa's and Grace's friendship and how supportive they were to each other in times of need, I found it endearing! The story was very rich in Cuban culture and history, so not only did I enjoy the actual story but I learnt a bit about Cuba!
This is the first book of Rosanna's I have read and defiantly plan to seek more of her wonderful books. I think Last Dance in Havana is a top read in my eye's, and come's highly recommended for me!!!!!!
July 14, 2019
Last Dance in Havana by Rosanna Ley c2016
At first I felt disappointed as the cover scene is Havana, Cuba yet after a sultry first chapter much of the action takes place in Bristol, England. It took me time to warm up to the characters and story line but then I was hooked. Ley cleverly connects her characters through Elisa, a young Spanish teen from Cuba who immigrates to England with her parents but longs for the warmth of Cuba – its people and music and her first great love. Adult Elisa teaches Spanish and that is how she meets young Grace – giving her Spanish lessons. As she comes to know Grace, she marries her widowed father and raises Grace as her step-daughter. Later the women develop a deep friendship the crux of the story. Both have choices to make.
Grace’s husband is pushing her to have a child but in her late thirties she still isn’t ready. Grace has an affair with her husbands’ best friend, Theo, who accepts Grace as she is. Theo happens to be Cuban and knows Elisa from a Spanish Community club she runs. It is enlightening to see Cuba of 2012 through his eyes when he takes an extended visit there.
There are two passionate love stories throughout the novel: one with Elisa and Duardo (her Cuban revolutionary lover) and the other between Grace and Theo. Ley employs the rumba to express sensuality, eroticism, sexual tension and connection.
With Grace and Theo:
Long, languorous afternoons in bed, which Grace never wanted to end…..the connection that they had. He was her closest friend and he had become her lover. It was the best time. But she also knew it was stolen time. (p157)
The course of true love never runs smooth and Ley keeps us wondering up until the end.
The novel begins and ends with a dance.
She has done extensive research on Cuba –the people, the geography, the revolution, life after the revolution. We’re walking down a street in Havana, dancing salsa at a courtyard party, snuggling on the Malecon. Ley is inspired by cultures and landscapes both internal and external and it shows.
At first I felt disappointed as the cover scene is Havana, Cuba yet after a sultry first chapter much of the action takes place in Bristol, England. It took me time to warm up to the characters and story line but then I was hooked. Ley cleverly connects her characters through Elisa, a young Spanish teen from Cuba who immigrates to England with her parents but longs for the warmth of Cuba – its people and music and her first great love. Adult Elisa teaches Spanish and that is how she meets young Grace – giving her Spanish lessons. As she comes to know Grace, she marries her widowed father and raises Grace as her step-daughter. Later the women develop a deep friendship the crux of the story. Both have choices to make.
Grace’s husband is pushing her to have a child but in her late thirties she still isn’t ready. Grace has an affair with her husbands’ best friend, Theo, who accepts Grace as she is. Theo happens to be Cuban and knows Elisa from a Spanish Community club she runs. It is enlightening to see Cuba of 2012 through his eyes when he takes an extended visit there.
There are two passionate love stories throughout the novel: one with Elisa and Duardo (her Cuban revolutionary lover) and the other between Grace and Theo. Ley employs the rumba to express sensuality, eroticism, sexual tension and connection.
With Grace and Theo:
Long, languorous afternoons in bed, which Grace never wanted to end…..the connection that they had. He was her closest friend and he had become her lover. It was the best time. But she also knew it was stolen time. (p157)
The course of true love never runs smooth and Ley keeps us wondering up until the end.
The novel begins and ends with a dance.
She has done extensive research on Cuba –the people, the geography, the revolution, life after the revolution. We’re walking down a street in Havana, dancing salsa at a courtyard party, snuggling on the Malecon. Ley is inspired by cultures and landscapes both internal and external and it shows.
July 26, 2016
Last Dance in Havana is an engaging tale of lost love, mistakes made and the consequences of doing the right thing.
It essentially has two main time frames of 1958 and 2012 representing the present day. The first period tells Elisa's back story and 2012 catches up with her and her stepdaughter Gracie who is having problems of her own.
It's a story that captures your interest from the beginning and the setting of Cuba was an interesting one. I'm ashamed to admit that my knowledge of Cuban history is largely limited to a cursory knowledge of their revolutionary saviour Che Guevara through to Fidel Castro and the Bay of Pigs (that latter sounds more knowledgeable than it is). Beyond that Cuba brings to mind heels, cigars and salsa. As it happens cigars do play a part in that they are a product of the tobacco and supporting slave trade that helped play a large part in creating an oppressed society looking for it's freedom.
When the 16 year old Elisa falls in love with Duardo, a young hot headed freedom fighter, their relationship is one which will impact on her life in ways which she can never have imagined. Throughout her life both he, and Cuba will continue to exert their influence long after she has left.
In 2012, the 70 year old Elisa, is older and wiser, and reflecting on the the way her life has been shaped by her relationships and friendships. However it is her stepdaughter's story that comes to the fore in a way which will have a major impact on Elisa.
I really enjoyed this story, I liked the characters with all their foibles and youthful swagger, through to the more thoughtful and considered older selves. It was a story that can resonate with us all as it looks at the consequences of choices made and decisions taken, especially when the head rules the heart or vice versa.
In addition I enjoyed the context of the Cuban setting and the background of slavery and the later fight for freedom which was enlightening and informative. The passion of the country, the music and of course salsa was really brought to life and makes me want to learn more about the history and the heritage of the place.
If you like a story with an engaging plot line, great characters and an historical context for added drama, then this book is not too be missed.
I received a review copy of this book via the publishers Quercus in return for an honest review.
It essentially has two main time frames of 1958 and 2012 representing the present day. The first period tells Elisa's back story and 2012 catches up with her and her stepdaughter Gracie who is having problems of her own.
It's a story that captures your interest from the beginning and the setting of Cuba was an interesting one. I'm ashamed to admit that my knowledge of Cuban history is largely limited to a cursory knowledge of their revolutionary saviour Che Guevara through to Fidel Castro and the Bay of Pigs (that latter sounds more knowledgeable than it is). Beyond that Cuba brings to mind heels, cigars and salsa. As it happens cigars do play a part in that they are a product of the tobacco and supporting slave trade that helped play a large part in creating an oppressed society looking for it's freedom.
When the 16 year old Elisa falls in love with Duardo, a young hot headed freedom fighter, their relationship is one which will impact on her life in ways which she can never have imagined. Throughout her life both he, and Cuba will continue to exert their influence long after she has left.
In 2012, the 70 year old Elisa, is older and wiser, and reflecting on the the way her life has been shaped by her relationships and friendships. However it is her stepdaughter's story that comes to the fore in a way which will have a major impact on Elisa.
I really enjoyed this story, I liked the characters with all their foibles and youthful swagger, through to the more thoughtful and considered older selves. It was a story that can resonate with us all as it looks at the consequences of choices made and decisions taken, especially when the head rules the heart or vice versa.
In addition I enjoyed the context of the Cuban setting and the background of slavery and the later fight for freedom which was enlightening and informative. The passion of the country, the music and of course salsa was really brought to life and makes me want to learn more about the history and the heritage of the place.
If you like a story with an engaging plot line, great characters and an historical context for added drama, then this book is not too be missed.
I received a review copy of this book via the publishers Quercus in return for an honest review.
June 22, 2016
First off, I love this cover and want to be in that square in Havana and be the girl in the red dress, and such is the emotional pull of the story that even before the book is opened you are taken into another world.
The story opens in Havana, 1957 and the lure of dancing the rumba entices fifteen year old Elisa to dance in the back street nightclub at La Cueva with the charismatic and enticing Duardo, who holds her in a close embrace as they dance to the passionate resonance of the rumba beat.
Moving forwards and backwards in time and swaying with its own particular rumba beat, we journey beyond the troubled arena of 1950s Havana and move to Bristol in 2012, where we pick up the story of Elisa and of her connection to Grace, a troubled young woman who has more than her share of heartbreak.
I loved the whole premise of the story, the way it moved effortlessly between time frames and of the thread of passion which runs throughout the novel, drawing you into the dual story of Elisa and Duardo and of the love triangle between Grace, Robbie and Theo.
It's the sign of a good story, I suppose when you don't want it to end, and Last Dance in Havana is one of those books which, once started, is difficult to put down. I found that I wanted to get back to the story at every opportunity, and when the story had ended, I was sad because I knew that I was having to say goodbye to characters who, over the space of a few hours, I had come to regard as friends.
I really hope that Last Dance in Havana is going to be one of those splendid summer novels which is lovingly packed away in hand luggage and is then taken on holiday. It would be especially lovely if someone would take a copy back to Havana and maybe, sip a cocktail or two, and watch a couple like Elisa and Duardo dance their own very special rumba.
The story opens in Havana, 1957 and the lure of dancing the rumba entices fifteen year old Elisa to dance in the back street nightclub at La Cueva with the charismatic and enticing Duardo, who holds her in a close embrace as they dance to the passionate resonance of the rumba beat.
Moving forwards and backwards in time and swaying with its own particular rumba beat, we journey beyond the troubled arena of 1950s Havana and move to Bristol in 2012, where we pick up the story of Elisa and of her connection to Grace, a troubled young woman who has more than her share of heartbreak.
I loved the whole premise of the story, the way it moved effortlessly between time frames and of the thread of passion which runs throughout the novel, drawing you into the dual story of Elisa and Duardo and of the love triangle between Grace, Robbie and Theo.
It's the sign of a good story, I suppose when you don't want it to end, and Last Dance in Havana is one of those books which, once started, is difficult to put down. I found that I wanted to get back to the story at every opportunity, and when the story had ended, I was sad because I knew that I was having to say goodbye to characters who, over the space of a few hours, I had come to regard as friends.
I really hope that Last Dance in Havana is going to be one of those splendid summer novels which is lovingly packed away in hand luggage and is then taken on holiday. It would be especially lovely if someone would take a copy back to Havana and maybe, sip a cocktail or two, and watch a couple like Elisa and Duardo dance their own very special rumba.
February 8, 2017
Rosanna Ley has a way of writing which really pulls you into the story and whatever country the setting is. I love that about her books and think it's a really special gift.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as her other books, it was a bit on the predictable side and I didn't really gel with any of the characters. But every book she writes leaves you wanting to explore exotic countries which can't be a bad thing.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as her other books, it was a bit on the predictable side and I didn't really gel with any of the characters. But every book she writes leaves you wanting to explore exotic countries which can't be a bad thing.
September 4, 2016
what can I say? interesting storyline and I liked the characters, which is why I carried on reading to the end even though the writing itself was not all that great - rather stiff and clunky in places, and far too many bits that felt like I was reading a tourist information guide.
July 19, 2016
It's not as good ad 'The saffron trail': I skimmed through many pages. The facts in Havana take place only in the very last chapters. Not very exotic, not very engaging either. Let's hope for the next one.
August 21, 2016
A beach romance; nothing more, nothing less.
I won't recommend this book if you are looking for a thick plot, intrigue, passion or particularly engaging writing. Not flowing at times, I ended up skipping a few pages here and there in the middle.
Overall a boring story.
I won't recommend this book if you are looking for a thick plot, intrigue, passion or particularly engaging writing. Not flowing at times, I ended up skipping a few pages here and there in the middle.
Overall a boring story.
January 7, 2024
A book that I started when traveling to Cuba, and you can relate to some things described about this beautiful country. Could relate to some memories and feelings. Hard to read sometimes. Nice, overall. A romance to read when traveling and on the beach ❤️. Beautiful happy ending!
August 28, 2023
idk net
June 15, 2016
I have been a fan of Rosanna Ley since her first release The Villa. She has a deft touch when it comes to transporting her readers to whatever foreign clime may feature in her books. There is always a solid, absorbing storyline with a hint of mystery and fascinating characters that keep you hooked and guessing right until you turn the last page deeply satisfied but yet bereft you have another long wait until Rosanna's next book is published. When I saw the book was featured in the Quercus Summer Reading Challenge I knew I wanted to take part especially as Last Dance in Havana was to be the book featured in June. Thankfully I was thrilled to be accepted for the challenge and all the better to start it with an author whom I always enjoy reading. Honestly I would have read this anyway whether I was part of the challenge or not (I'm really lucky and grateful to be included) as Rosanna's books have brought me many pleasurable hours of reading in the past and I knew this book would prove to be no different.
Last Dance in Havana is an exotic tale of love and friendship set between Cuba in the 1950's and Bristol, England in 2012. Not many people would have had an opportunity to visit Cuba considering its turbulent history and closed doors until recently to the wider world except for the chosen few. But now the island is becoming more open to tourists and though the chance of me ever visiting the country is highly unlikely through reading this story I felt the vibrancy, colour and magic of Cuba radiate from the pages. It made for a riveting summer read or really perfect for any time of year.
The book opens in Havana in 1957, Elisa is only 15 but taken by her cousin for a night out where she witnesses the beautiful and sensual rumba in action 'It seemed to exude something, she couldn't quite understand and,a sensuality that was as yet unknown'. Elisa becomes absorbed in her surroundings, the music and the mass of swaying bodies around her. She turns and catches the eye of the most magnificent man she has ever seen - Duardo. He is a man of confidence and with strong African features. I mention African because this is significant later on in the story and Elisa's heritage is Spanish. Immediately there was heat, electricity, passion and an intense connection between the couple and you knew this pair had eyes only for each other disregarding the world and the situation ongoing in Cuba as if they only existed in their own special, unique corner of the island.
Years later the author takes us to Bristol, it's 2012 and Grace is working as a masseuse and is intrigued by the power of touch and it's healing abilities to create physical harmony between body and mind. Grace is at a crossroads in her life. We are witness to her battles both internally and externally. Past events are blighting the present and in a way her future 'You couldn't simply take hold of a clean duster and wipe away the past. Once something had happened, it had happened'. Grace is becoming more and more estranged from her father Philip who has taken to alcohol as a dependent in a big way. He is haunted by a significant event in the past the same event that Grace is battling to come to terms with. Grace's preconceptions are forcing her to view people in a different light. She is rash and makes judgements without the full facts and harbours deep resentment towards people without ever actively seeking the truth. If Grace had not been as closed she could have sought the truth far earlier and saved heartbreak and pain but there is a stubborn streak to her and that is what prevents her reaching out to her father. The same streak allows her to go to a side many people view as wrong but there had to have been a deep longing in her for something else she had to have known in her heart that she wasn't happy but was playing too close to home the right thing to do? Grace is married to Robbie who seems nice enough but he wants more from the relationship and babies are on his agenda but not at all on Grace's list. Whether Grace was pushed or voluntarily took the plunge in playing with fire it is for the reader to decide and also as the story progresses, does what happen become right and your opinion begin to change? Caught in the middle between Grace and her father is her stepmother Elisa who we met in the prologue. We learn how she came to live in England but how her heart is still firmly rooted in Cuba. Just what has she been through and what has become of Duardo. Elisa was such an endearing character and my favourite in the book, we gain a deep insight into how she is feeling as we are taken back to events in the 1950's in Havana. She has been through such heartbreak and devastation but secretly underneath it all your fingers are crossed that there is a more positive outlook in store for her.
The author merged the scenes set in England perfectly with those set in Havana and the countryside of Cuba. In England things seemed tense and to slightly spiral out of control but the calmness and beauty of Cuba despite all the island and its inhabitants have endured shines through and provides the light this book needed. The sections based in Cuba were placed perfectly and offered great contrast and shade between events ongoing in Bristol. Things slowly began to make sense as we hear from characters living in Havana in 2012 and the actions of people although I can't justify them were given solid reasons. My eyes were opened wide to the history of the island and it's connection to Bristol. I had no idea about plantations and the connotations surrounding them but these aspects was expertly weaved into the story. The reader slowly comes to understand that one should grab every opportunity that comes your way be it in love or any other matter in life.But also that love can be all encompassing and never forgotten .It will remain with you and affect you for a long time, that it is worth fighting for despite the odds stacked against you. Keep trying and do not allow deceit and obstacles get in your way.I had hoped that both Grace and Elisa would take this advice as finally find what they had been searching for whether they knew it or not.
Robbie seemed to be like a dog with a bone, he pushes and persists regarding the baby issue. Why can't he see that Grace is just not that interested, it's a facet to her life that she wants to remain firmly closed. It's clear the couple were having problems regardless of this issue and maybe they weren't destined to stay together forever but I do think it was one strand in a multitude of factors that pushed Grace into doing something that many would view as being completely unacceptable. Combined with Grace's strained relationship with her father Grace must have felt trapped and that special (in her mind) someone must have provided that sense of release that she needed whether she realised it or not. Whether you approve of the actions of Grace or not you can see she is tormented inside. The past and all its unanswered questions and misunderstandings has such a forceful impact on her thought and decision making process in the present. I was completely torn in two as to whether I actually like Grace. I couldn't identify completely with her but on other levels her internal struggle was uncomfortable to observe. Elisa too is comparable to Grace with her mind and heart in turmoil. Yet is not her actions which have consequences but rather the decision of one person many years ago to withhold such vital, life changing information that has a forbearing on the rest of Elisa's life until we meet her in Bristol. It just goes to show that with a few words everything can change and ones life will not be the same again with the repercussions felt down through the years. Elisa battles her own demons and a longing for her homeland and the sights, sounds, smells , colours and dancing that shaped and touched her. I had my fingers crossed that Elisa would seek and find the resolution and confirmation she so desperately needed in order to find her ultimate peace and happiness. For too long she had lived the lives of others now it was time to live her own back in the place where she truly belonged. But what obstacles will be placed in her path before true love can once again hopefully blossom?
So has Rosanna Ley written another fantastic storyline that tugs at your heartstrings and grips you from page one? Has she made the island of Cuba a place with a turbulent history and closed to so many come alive through the pages? Has she made you want to drop everything and visit Cuba to experience the sights, sounds, smells, colours and their exotic passionate dance the rumba? Has the author portrayed a story of love, friendship, secrets, betrayal in such a way that you are rooting for the majority of the characters the whole way through the book? Yes is the answer to all these questions and any others you might have. Rosanna has written this books with such passion and love for her subject matter that you can't fail to feel and sense her enthusiasm and dedication to the book and its characters. Yes the actions of certain characters won't always make you like them as their results have such far reaching consequences and there are so many misunderstandings. Yet Grace, Elisa, Theo and Robbie draw you into their world and broaden your own horizons, opinions and viewpoints and provide plenty of food for thought and discussion. Rosanna has reaffirmed for me what a brilliant author she truly is. She mentions in the acknowledgements that writing this book was full of challenges and way outside her personal experience.Yet you could never sense this at any point in the story Rosanna had done such impeccable and minute research that all the finer and more major details just helped to add that special something to the story and make the overall plot come alive even more.
Whether you are at home in the garden during the summer or sitting on a beach in a foreign clime Last Dance in Havana should be firmly by your side. It's everything you would want in a read as you are transported to an enigmatic time and place to read an absorbing, beautifully crafted story. As first books go in The Summer Reading Challenge, Quercus have definitely selected a stunner. In July the choice is Florence Grace by Tracy Rees, an author whose début I enjoyed immensely last year, let's hope it is as good as June's selection proved to be.
Last Dance in Havana is an exotic tale of love and friendship set between Cuba in the 1950's and Bristol, England in 2012. Not many people would have had an opportunity to visit Cuba considering its turbulent history and closed doors until recently to the wider world except for the chosen few. But now the island is becoming more open to tourists and though the chance of me ever visiting the country is highly unlikely through reading this story I felt the vibrancy, colour and magic of Cuba radiate from the pages. It made for a riveting summer read or really perfect for any time of year.
The book opens in Havana in 1957, Elisa is only 15 but taken by her cousin for a night out where she witnesses the beautiful and sensual rumba in action 'It seemed to exude something, she couldn't quite understand and,a sensuality that was as yet unknown'. Elisa becomes absorbed in her surroundings, the music and the mass of swaying bodies around her. She turns and catches the eye of the most magnificent man she has ever seen - Duardo. He is a man of confidence and with strong African features. I mention African because this is significant later on in the story and Elisa's heritage is Spanish. Immediately there was heat, electricity, passion and an intense connection between the couple and you knew this pair had eyes only for each other disregarding the world and the situation ongoing in Cuba as if they only existed in their own special, unique corner of the island.
Years later the author takes us to Bristol, it's 2012 and Grace is working as a masseuse and is intrigued by the power of touch and it's healing abilities to create physical harmony between body and mind. Grace is at a crossroads in her life. We are witness to her battles both internally and externally. Past events are blighting the present and in a way her future 'You couldn't simply take hold of a clean duster and wipe away the past. Once something had happened, it had happened'. Grace is becoming more and more estranged from her father Philip who has taken to alcohol as a dependent in a big way. He is haunted by a significant event in the past the same event that Grace is battling to come to terms with. Grace's preconceptions are forcing her to view people in a different light. She is rash and makes judgements without the full facts and harbours deep resentment towards people without ever actively seeking the truth. If Grace had not been as closed she could have sought the truth far earlier and saved heartbreak and pain but there is a stubborn streak to her and that is what prevents her reaching out to her father. The same streak allows her to go to a side many people view as wrong but there had to have been a deep longing in her for something else she had to have known in her heart that she wasn't happy but was playing too close to home the right thing to do? Grace is married to Robbie who seems nice enough but he wants more from the relationship and babies are on his agenda but not at all on Grace's list. Whether Grace was pushed or voluntarily took the plunge in playing with fire it is for the reader to decide and also as the story progresses, does what happen become right and your opinion begin to change? Caught in the middle between Grace and her father is her stepmother Elisa who we met in the prologue. We learn how she came to live in England but how her heart is still firmly rooted in Cuba. Just what has she been through and what has become of Duardo. Elisa was such an endearing character and my favourite in the book, we gain a deep insight into how she is feeling as we are taken back to events in the 1950's in Havana. She has been through such heartbreak and devastation but secretly underneath it all your fingers are crossed that there is a more positive outlook in store for her.
The author merged the scenes set in England perfectly with those set in Havana and the countryside of Cuba. In England things seemed tense and to slightly spiral out of control but the calmness and beauty of Cuba despite all the island and its inhabitants have endured shines through and provides the light this book needed. The sections based in Cuba were placed perfectly and offered great contrast and shade between events ongoing in Bristol. Things slowly began to make sense as we hear from characters living in Havana in 2012 and the actions of people although I can't justify them were given solid reasons. My eyes were opened wide to the history of the island and it's connection to Bristol. I had no idea about plantations and the connotations surrounding them but these aspects was expertly weaved into the story. The reader slowly comes to understand that one should grab every opportunity that comes your way be it in love or any other matter in life.But also that love can be all encompassing and never forgotten .It will remain with you and affect you for a long time, that it is worth fighting for despite the odds stacked against you. Keep trying and do not allow deceit and obstacles get in your way.I had hoped that both Grace and Elisa would take this advice as finally find what they had been searching for whether they knew it or not.
Robbie seemed to be like a dog with a bone, he pushes and persists regarding the baby issue. Why can't he see that Grace is just not that interested, it's a facet to her life that she wants to remain firmly closed. It's clear the couple were having problems regardless of this issue and maybe they weren't destined to stay together forever but I do think it was one strand in a multitude of factors that pushed Grace into doing something that many would view as being completely unacceptable. Combined with Grace's strained relationship with her father Grace must have felt trapped and that special (in her mind) someone must have provided that sense of release that she needed whether she realised it or not. Whether you approve of the actions of Grace or not you can see she is tormented inside. The past and all its unanswered questions and misunderstandings has such a forceful impact on her thought and decision making process in the present. I was completely torn in two as to whether I actually like Grace. I couldn't identify completely with her but on other levels her internal struggle was uncomfortable to observe. Elisa too is comparable to Grace with her mind and heart in turmoil. Yet is not her actions which have consequences but rather the decision of one person many years ago to withhold such vital, life changing information that has a forbearing on the rest of Elisa's life until we meet her in Bristol. It just goes to show that with a few words everything can change and ones life will not be the same again with the repercussions felt down through the years. Elisa battles her own demons and a longing for her homeland and the sights, sounds, smells , colours and dancing that shaped and touched her. I had my fingers crossed that Elisa would seek and find the resolution and confirmation she so desperately needed in order to find her ultimate peace and happiness. For too long she had lived the lives of others now it was time to live her own back in the place where she truly belonged. But what obstacles will be placed in her path before true love can once again hopefully blossom?
So has Rosanna Ley written another fantastic storyline that tugs at your heartstrings and grips you from page one? Has she made the island of Cuba a place with a turbulent history and closed to so many come alive through the pages? Has she made you want to drop everything and visit Cuba to experience the sights, sounds, smells, colours and their exotic passionate dance the rumba? Has the author portrayed a story of love, friendship, secrets, betrayal in such a way that you are rooting for the majority of the characters the whole way through the book? Yes is the answer to all these questions and any others you might have. Rosanna has written this books with such passion and love for her subject matter that you can't fail to feel and sense her enthusiasm and dedication to the book and its characters. Yes the actions of certain characters won't always make you like them as their results have such far reaching consequences and there are so many misunderstandings. Yet Grace, Elisa, Theo and Robbie draw you into their world and broaden your own horizons, opinions and viewpoints and provide plenty of food for thought and discussion. Rosanna has reaffirmed for me what a brilliant author she truly is. She mentions in the acknowledgements that writing this book was full of challenges and way outside her personal experience.Yet you could never sense this at any point in the story Rosanna had done such impeccable and minute research that all the finer and more major details just helped to add that special something to the story and make the overall plot come alive even more.
Whether you are at home in the garden during the summer or sitting on a beach in a foreign clime Last Dance in Havana should be firmly by your side. It's everything you would want in a read as you are transported to an enigmatic time and place to read an absorbing, beautifully crafted story. As first books go in The Summer Reading Challenge, Quercus have definitely selected a stunner. In July the choice is Florence Grace by Tracy Rees, an author whose début I enjoyed immensely last year, let's hope it is as good as June's selection proved to be.
August 13, 2022
An exotic tale of love, family and friendship.Cuba, 1958. Elisa is only sixteen years old when she meets Duardo and she knows he's the love of her life from the moment they first dance the rumba together in downtown Havana. But Duardo is a rebel, determined to fight in Castro's army, and Elisa is forced to leave behind her homeland and rebuild her life in distant England. But how can she stop longing for the warmth of Havana, when the music of the rumba still calls to her?
England, 2012. Grace has a troubled relationship with her father, whom she blames for her beloved mother's untimely death. And this year more than ever she could do with a shoulderto cry on - Grace's career is in flux, she isn't sure she wants the baby her husband is so desperate to have and, worst of all, she's begun to develop feelings for their best friend Theo.Theo is a Cuban born magician but even he can't make Grace's problems disappear. Is the passion Grace feels for Theo enough to risk her family's happiness?
Rumba is a secular genre of Cuban music involving dance,percussion,and song.It originated in the northern regions of Cuba,mainly in urban Havana and Matanzas,during the late 19th century.It was traditionally performed by poor workers of African descent in streets and solares(courtyards) to reaffirm their humanity and identity along with family and through faith, in the face of systematic legal and cultural degradation.After the Cuban Revolution of 1959,there were many efforts by the government to institutionalise rumba.
The first wave of Cuban emigration occurred directly after the revolution,followed by the Freedom Flights from 1965-1973.Cubans left Cuba for political and economic reasons.The Cuban Revolution was an armed revolt by Fidel Castro and his fellow revolutionaries of the 26th of July Movement and its allies against the military dictatorship of President Fulgencio Batista.The revolution began in July 1953, until the rebels finally ousted Batista on 31 December 1958,replacing his government.During the first decade after the Cuban Revolution,various reforms in Cuban society tackled racial integration, women's equality,healthcare,housing and education.
England, 2012. Grace has a troubled relationship with her father, whom she blames for her beloved mother's untimely death. And this year more than ever she could do with a shoulderto cry on - Grace's career is in flux, she isn't sure she wants the baby her husband is so desperate to have and, worst of all, she's begun to develop feelings for their best friend Theo.Theo is a Cuban born magician but even he can't make Grace's problems disappear. Is the passion Grace feels for Theo enough to risk her family's happiness?
Rumba is a secular genre of Cuban music involving dance,percussion,and song.It originated in the northern regions of Cuba,mainly in urban Havana and Matanzas,during the late 19th century.It was traditionally performed by poor workers of African descent in streets and solares(courtyards) to reaffirm their humanity and identity along with family and through faith, in the face of systematic legal and cultural degradation.After the Cuban Revolution of 1959,there were many efforts by the government to institutionalise rumba.
The first wave of Cuban emigration occurred directly after the revolution,followed by the Freedom Flights from 1965-1973.Cubans left Cuba for political and economic reasons.The Cuban Revolution was an armed revolt by Fidel Castro and his fellow revolutionaries of the 26th of July Movement and its allies against the military dictatorship of President Fulgencio Batista.The revolution began in July 1953, until the rebels finally ousted Batista on 31 December 1958,replacing his government.During the first decade after the Cuban Revolution,various reforms in Cuban society tackled racial integration, women's equality,healthcare,housing and education.
April 19, 2021
Dažnai renkuosi knygą pagal viršelį, bet, ech šįkart viršelis, mano nuomone, visiškai prasilenkė su knygos tema ir nuotaika. Leidimo originalo kalba viršelis kurkas labiau atitinka. Bet jei nekalbėt apie viršelį, o daugiau apie turinį...
Nors didžioji veiksmo dalis vyksta Bristolyje, Anglijoje, atrodo visų veikėjų mintys ir jausmai sukasi Havanoje, Kuboje. Net ir tų, kurie gyvenime ten nėra buvę. O ir Kuba čia nėra tokia egzotiška, spalvota vieta, kokią mes dažnai matome turistiniuose vadovuose. Veikiau ji čia pristatoma, kaip revoliucijos paveiktų, nepasiturinčių žmonių šalis. Tai šiek tiek primena ir Lietuvos istorija, ypač, kai kalba pasisuka apie komunizmą, deficitą, suvaržymus. Tik tiek, kad patys kubiečiai yra ryškūs ir temperamentingi. Visgi daugiausia Kubos buvo paskutiniuose 50 puslapių. Čia jau ir googlinau minimas vietas, ir mėgavausi miestų ir gamtos aprašymais. Norėjosi daugiau... O šokis, na vien pavadinimas nusako, kad čia jis turi daug reikšmės. Tai būdas ir užsimiršti, ir prisiminti, ir įsimylėti, ir susitaikyti, ir priežastis sugrįžti.
Visgi malonų skaitymą gadino padrikai dėliojamas tekstas. Nežinau ar čia vertime problema, ar jau pačios autorės stilius. Bet iki pusės knygos buvo ypač sunku susigaudyti su veikėjų mintimis ir veiksmais. Šokinėja ir keičiasi kas pastraipą. Vienoje pastraipoje apie prarastą meilę Kuboje, kitoje apie įdukros problemas ir įsipareigojimus Anglijoje, trečioje vėl grįžta prarastos meilės ilgesys. O kaip tarpusavy viskas susiję ne visada aišku. Tai trukdė įsijausti.
Nepaisant to, nors beveik nuo pat pradžių aišku, kokia bus istorijos pabaiga, bet veiksmas vystosi palaipsniui. O pats veikėjų gyvenimas toks kalnuotas ir vingiuotas, kupinas sudėtingų likimo išbandymų, dvejonių ir apmąstymų, pastangų, kad dėl priimtų sprendimų niekas neliktų nuskriaustas ar nusivylęs. Tad dėl to negalėjau padėti knygos į šalį. Buvo smalsu kaip viskas išsispręs.
Nors didžioji veiksmo dalis vyksta Bristolyje, Anglijoje, atrodo visų veikėjų mintys ir jausmai sukasi Havanoje, Kuboje. Net ir tų, kurie gyvenime ten nėra buvę. O ir Kuba čia nėra tokia egzotiška, spalvota vieta, kokią mes dažnai matome turistiniuose vadovuose. Veikiau ji čia pristatoma, kaip revoliucijos paveiktų, nepasiturinčių žmonių šalis. Tai šiek tiek primena ir Lietuvos istorija, ypač, kai kalba pasisuka apie komunizmą, deficitą, suvaržymus. Tik tiek, kad patys kubiečiai yra ryškūs ir temperamentingi. Visgi daugiausia Kubos buvo paskutiniuose 50 puslapių. Čia jau ir googlinau minimas vietas, ir mėgavausi miestų ir gamtos aprašymais. Norėjosi daugiau... O šokis, na vien pavadinimas nusako, kad čia jis turi daug reikšmės. Tai būdas ir užsimiršti, ir prisiminti, ir įsimylėti, ir susitaikyti, ir priežastis sugrįžti.
Visgi malonų skaitymą gadino padrikai dėliojamas tekstas. Nežinau ar čia vertime problema, ar jau pačios autorės stilius. Bet iki pusės knygos buvo ypač sunku susigaudyti su veikėjų mintimis ir veiksmais. Šokinėja ir keičiasi kas pastraipą. Vienoje pastraipoje apie prarastą meilę Kuboje, kitoje apie įdukros problemas ir įsipareigojimus Anglijoje, trečioje vėl grįžta prarastos meilės ilgesys. O kaip tarpusavy viskas susiję ne visada aišku. Tai trukdė įsijausti.
Nepaisant to, nors beveik nuo pat pradžių aišku, kokia bus istorijos pabaiga, bet veiksmas vystosi palaipsniui. O pats veikėjų gyvenimas toks kalnuotas ir vingiuotas, kupinas sudėtingų likimo išbandymų, dvejonių ir apmąstymų, pastangų, kad dėl priimtų sprendimų niekas neliktų nuskriaustas ar nusivylęs. Tad dėl to negalėjau padėti knygos į šalį. Buvo smalsu kaip viskas išsispręs.
January 16, 2024
-Pašokam?
Karštas atogrąžų oras nuo šokio aplink juos dar labiau įkaitino. Ji vis dar jautė pulsuojantį jo kūno karštį, prisilietimą prie jos odos. Baltas saldylio žiedas jau buvo iškritęs iš plaukų.
Kas tu?
Duardas. 1958m.
Po pirmo skyriaus, tokio energingo, jautraus, ir su aistringa šokio emocija, staiga atsiduriame Bristolyje 2012m. , kuriame trenkė alkoholiu. Čia yra Greisė, jos vyras ir jų geriausias draugas Teo, kuriam Greisė neabejinga. Yra ir Eliza, kuri vis dar nepamiršo Havanos šokio su Duardu. Ir kiekvieną dieną mintimis grįžta į Kuba. Ar jai pavyks netik mintimis grįžti? Dvi nuostabios asmenybės, visiškai skirtingos, bet susipynusios likimu, pasakos savo istoriją.
Knyga apima dvi linijas. Autorė lengvai jas maišydavo, įpindama daug Kubos istorijos, politikos ir Kubos laisvės. Kas nebuvo blogai, bet vietomis norėjosi greitesnio veiksmo, ar greitesnių veikėjų sprendimų.
Havanos naktys,privers jus norėti būti dabar ten, ir šokti rumba. Įsimylėti personažus, jų nekęsti , norėti juos audringai aprėkti, ar atmerkti jiems akis, vietomis trumpam apkabinti. Tai ne tik romantinė istorija, bet istorija ir apie atleidimą , pripažintas klaidas, pagaliau padėtus į šalį principus, bei gera pavydą.
-Pašokam?💃
Karštas atogrąžų oras nuo šokio aplink juos dar labiau įkaitino. Ji vis dar jautė pulsuojantį jo kūno karštį, prisilietimą prie jos odos. Baltas saldylio žiedas jau buvo iškritęs iš plaukų.
Kas tu?
Duardas. 1958m.
Po pirmo skyriaus, tokio energingo, jautraus, ir su aistringa šokio emocija, staiga atsiduriame Bristolyje 2012m. , kuriame trenkė alkoholiu. Čia yra Greisė, jos vyras ir jų geriausias draugas Teo, kuriam Greisė neabejinga. Yra ir Eliza, kuri vis dar nepamiršo Havanos šokio su Duardu. Ir kiekvieną dieną mintimis grįžta į Kuba. Ar jai pavyks netik mintimis grįžti? Dvi nuostabios asmenybės, visiškai skirtingos, bet susipynusios likimu, pasakos savo istoriją.
Knyga apima dvi linijas. Autorė lengvai jas maišydavo, įpindama daug Kubos istorijos, politikos ir Kubos laisvės. Kas nebuvo blogai, bet vietomis norėjosi greitesnio veiksmo, ar greitesnių veikėjų sprendimų.
Havanos naktys,privers jus norėti būti dabar ten, ir šokti rumba. Įsimylėti personažus, jų nekęsti , norėti juos audringai aprėkti, ar atmerkti jiems akis, vietomis trumpam apkabinti. Tai ne tik romantinė istorija, bet istorija ir apie atleidimą , pripažintas klaidas, pagaliau padėtus į šalį principus, bei gera pavydą.
-Pašokam?💃
June 28, 2025
Parts of this book were good and some parts very repetitive. This story was told in a dual time frame and was split between Elisa a Cuban from the 60's and Grace whose story was told in the present. Grace had falled in love with Duardo who had gone to fight for Cuba with Che Guevara. He went missing and was presumed dead. Elisa and her family came to England to escape what was happening in Cuba, she was only 15 at the time. Her story is told imbetween her present life where she is in a loveless marriage and she is stepmother to Grace. They have a loving mother daughter relationship nd this book explores this. Both have very similar stories.
Both women are very strong women but neither have the mettle to go get what they want until they come together and decide to act. Duardo came across as a mummies boy and I disliked his charachter intensley. I also disliked Theo who desplite knowing that Grace's father had died did not contact either Grace or Elisa to offer any sympathy. These two weak men spoilt the whole story for me.
Both women are very strong women but neither have the mettle to go get what they want until they come together and decide to act. Duardo came across as a mummies boy and I disliked his charachter intensley. I also disliked Theo who desplite knowing that Grace's father had died did not contact either Grace or Elisa to offer any sympathy. These two weak men spoilt the whole story for me.
August 20, 2017
I loved this book! I read it to get me 'in the spirit' for an upcoming trip to Cuba, and having finished the book I am even more excited about visiting the place itself. The descriptions of Havana are brilliant, evoking the atmosphere, sounds, colours of the city, and the characters are instantly relatable. The story is set between two times and two countries, with chapters jumping back and forth between them, but it doesn't get complicated (I've read books that do this previously, and got utterly lost). The two mains characters, Elisa and Grace, have difficult relationships and both make a number of mistakes, but they are nevertheless very likeable and the relationship between them (step-mother and daughter) is the loveliest thing. One of those books where you miss the characters when you finish reading - a brilliant, light enough but not too much, summer read.
April 30, 2018
I read this while in Cuba. The dancing and music descriptions, as well as the descriptions of Havana, Cuba and its people, were enjoyable and quite on point.
However, I didn’t quite gel with any of the characters. Grace is moany, weak and doesn’t have a clue of what she wants. Elisa, a much more interesting character, settles for a loveless relationship and doesn’t complain, losing all personality colours and depth in the process. The men are all irrelevant.
Overall very predictable (it was obvious how things were going to end) and very veeeeeery slow moving. To top it all up, there were some horrible spelling mistakes in some of the Spanish words!!! Took a lot of will to finish this.
However, I didn’t quite gel with any of the characters. Grace is moany, weak and doesn’t have a clue of what she wants. Elisa, a much more interesting character, settles for a loveless relationship and doesn’t complain, losing all personality colours and depth in the process. The men are all irrelevant.
Overall very predictable (it was obvious how things were going to end) and very veeeeeery slow moving. To top it all up, there were some horrible spelling mistakes in some of the Spanish words!!! Took a lot of will to finish this.
July 29, 2017
I absolutely love Rosanna Ley she has a way of drawing you in to the story and her characters are always fascinating. This story is set in 2 time frames Havana 1958 and Bristol 2012, from the moment Elisa at 16 dances the Rumba with Duardo you are hooked into love loss and heartache. highly recommend
October 28, 2018
The part I most enjoyed about this book was learning about Cuban history in an interesting, character-led way. Some of the structuring felt confusing, jumping back and forth in timelines before I’d had time to really understand who the characters were, but I did get used to it as the book progressed. I really liked the narrator too.
July 18, 2017
A story of love and loss, of how so many of us find ourselves in situations we don't really want to be in, but have been led down a path by circumstances we either could not control or did not understand fully at the time.
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