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A Greek Love: A Novel of Cuba
For readers of Isabel Allende, Gabriela Garcia, and Julia Alvarez, the story of a woman who must fight for her love and her child in a Cuba suffocated by oppression
A free spirit who spends time near the port of Havana, where her friend Osiris is known as the “Greek sailormen's whore,” teenager Zé becomes pregnant after a brief love affair with a captain's son her age. By the time she realizes her condition, the ship has left and the boy is gone. In her father's Cuba, an unwed teenage mother is a source of scandal and shame and a threat to his ambitions in the Party. He disowns her and brutally throws her out of her home. Led by her mother, she leaves the city for refuge in Matanzas, a university town rich in Afro-Cuban culture, where her mother's sister, a music scholar, lives and where she will raise her child mentored by these three older women—aunt, mother, and Osiris.
Years later, Zé’s son, Petros, has become a world-class musician bridging Cuban and Greek traditions, while Zé has become a scholar herself. When a recording executive invites Petros to give concerts in Greece, Zé seeks permission from the authorities to leave the island and accompany him. Secretly—a secret they guard from the authorities and her father, now a Party stalwart—they both nourish the hope of somehow finding Petros’s father and Zé’s one great, lost love.
With echoes of the breakout novel that made Zoé Valdés an international literary star, A Greek Love is a tale of passion, endurance, and hope—and a woman's tenacious love.
A free spirit who spends time near the port of Havana, where her friend Osiris is known as the “Greek sailormen's whore,” teenager Zé becomes pregnant after a brief love affair with a captain's son her age. By the time she realizes her condition, the ship has left and the boy is gone. In her father's Cuba, an unwed teenage mother is a source of scandal and shame and a threat to his ambitions in the Party. He disowns her and brutally throws her out of her home. Led by her mother, she leaves the city for refuge in Matanzas, a university town rich in Afro-Cuban culture, where her mother's sister, a music scholar, lives and where she will raise her child mentored by these three older women—aunt, mother, and Osiris.
Years later, Zé’s son, Petros, has become a world-class musician bridging Cuban and Greek traditions, while Zé has become a scholar herself. When a recording executive invites Petros to give concerts in Greece, Zé seeks permission from the authorities to leave the island and accompany him. Secretly—a secret they guard from the authorities and her father, now a Party stalwart—they both nourish the hope of somehow finding Petros’s father and Zé’s one great, lost love.
With echoes of the breakout novel that made Zoé Valdés an international literary star, A Greek Love is a tale of passion, endurance, and hope—and a woman's tenacious love.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2023
3 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read
About the author
Zoé Valdés
83 books105 followersZoé Milagros Valdés Martínez estudió en el Instituto Superior Pedagógico Enrique José Varona, pero abandonó los estudios antes de terminar (hizo hasta cuarto año); después ingresó en la Facultad de Filología de la Universidad de La Habana, donde estudió hasta segundo año.1
Desde 1984 a 1988 formó parte de la Delegación de Cuba ante la Unesco en París, y de la Oficina Cultural de la Misión de Cuba en París. Fue subdirectora de la revista Cine Cubano desde 1990 hasta diciembre de 1994. Al año siguiente fue invitada a unas jornadas sobre José Martí en París, donde se quedó y vive con su esposo, el cineasta Ricardo Vega, y su hija. Políticamente, Zoé Valdés es opositora al régimen de Fidel Castro
Fue redactora en jefe de la revista de arte ARS Magazine, Cuba, que dirigía su hermano, Gustavo Valdés. La habían fundado ambos en 19952 y la relanzaron a fines de 2010.3
Zoé Valdés colabora en numerosas publicaciones periódicas españolas y francesas, como El País, El Mundo, El Semanal, Qué leer, Elle, Vogue, Le Monde, Libération, Le Nouvel Observateur, Beaux Arts, Les Inrockuptibles, entre otras. Ha participado en muchos festivales literarios internacionales y ejercido como miembro del jurado de prestigiosos concursos.
Además de escribir guiones, Zoé Valdés ha codirigido un cortometraje —Caricias de Oshún— con su marido, Ricardo Vega, y ha sido jurado del Festival de Cannes (1998).
Desde 1984 a 1988 formó parte de la Delegación de Cuba ante la Unesco en París, y de la Oficina Cultural de la Misión de Cuba en París. Fue subdirectora de la revista Cine Cubano desde 1990 hasta diciembre de 1994. Al año siguiente fue invitada a unas jornadas sobre José Martí en París, donde se quedó y vive con su esposo, el cineasta Ricardo Vega, y su hija. Políticamente, Zoé Valdés es opositora al régimen de Fidel Castro
Fue redactora en jefe de la revista de arte ARS Magazine, Cuba, que dirigía su hermano, Gustavo Valdés. La habían fundado ambos en 19952 y la relanzaron a fines de 2010.3
Zoé Valdés colabora en numerosas publicaciones periódicas españolas y francesas, como El País, El Mundo, El Semanal, Qué leer, Elle, Vogue, Le Monde, Libération, Le Nouvel Observateur, Beaux Arts, Les Inrockuptibles, entre otras. Ha participado en muchos festivales literarios internacionales y ejercido como miembro del jurado de prestigiosos concursos.
Además de escribir guiones, Zoé Valdés ha codirigido un cortometraje —Caricias de Oshún— con su marido, Ricardo Vega, y ha sido jurado del Festival de Cannes (1998).
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November 26, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for access to this ARC. I am auto-approved for Skyhorse and all opinions expressed are my own.
A Cuban teen finds herself pregnant with a Greek sailor's baby. Years later, their son becomes a successful musician who wants to take his mother to Greece to meet his biological father.
This was a novella that was quick and easy to read. It addresses the viewpoints of Cubans towards outsiders, specifically their relationship and views towards Greeks. The chapters are not necessarily in chronological order but I never felt confused as to the context of the storyline.
Lovely cover too!
Expected Publication Date 02/05/23
Goodreads Review Published 29/03/23
#AGreekLove #NetGalley.
A Cuban teen finds herself pregnant with a Greek sailor's baby. Years later, their son becomes a successful musician who wants to take his mother to Greece to meet his biological father.
This was a novella that was quick and easy to read. It addresses the viewpoints of Cubans towards outsiders, specifically their relationship and views towards Greeks. The chapters are not necessarily in chronological order but I never felt confused as to the context of the storyline.
Lovely cover too!
Expected Publication Date 02/05/23
Goodreads Review Published 29/03/23
#AGreekLove #NetGalley.
April 26, 2023
Havana in the 1970s: There is a rhythm to daily life, and a party (or Party) line to follow. For Zé, though, life promises something else—and so it is at the beginning of the book that she finds herself telling her parents that she is pregnant.
That the father is a Greek sailor is, in Havana, scandalous—it would be one thing for Zé to fall for a Soviet, but a Greek? That's something else entirely. And so Zé is sent away to raise her child in a city with fewer prying eyes, and her life changes course. Zé dreams of a different life, sometimes, but it isn't the one you might expect—she doesn't so much dream of escaping to the West as she imagines a life in Cuba in which her father is less volatile, the father of her child is still in Cuba, and the rooms don't all run the risk of being bugged.
This is probably a 3.5-star read for me—a little too much telling in places, a little too much exposition through dialogue. But I have read precious little about life in Cuba, and even less about life in Cuba in the 70s. Zé's life is not an easy one: her family lives in a tenement, her father is abusive, and because this is the status quo, the people around them turn a blind eye. She knows enough to dream of more, but she is also reluctant to see her family broken up, to lose the connection to her father. I love the ambivalence—she knows that, abroad, she'd have more opportunities and likely live a happier life, but she can also see how much she'd be leaving behind, and what it would mean for the people she loves.
The author's Wikipedia page is fairly fascinating in its own right, and I may have to seek out some more of her work, which apparently often pulls from her own life.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
That the father is a Greek sailor is, in Havana, scandalous—it would be one thing for Zé to fall for a Soviet, but a Greek? That's something else entirely. And so Zé is sent away to raise her child in a city with fewer prying eyes, and her life changes course. Zé dreams of a different life, sometimes, but it isn't the one you might expect—she doesn't so much dream of escaping to the West as she imagines a life in Cuba in which her father is less volatile, the father of her child is still in Cuba, and the rooms don't all run the risk of being bugged.
This is probably a 3.5-star read for me—a little too much telling in places, a little too much exposition through dialogue. But I have read precious little about life in Cuba, and even less about life in Cuba in the 70s. Zé's life is not an easy one: her family lives in a tenement, her father is abusive, and because this is the status quo, the people around them turn a blind eye. She knows enough to dream of more, but she is also reluctant to see her family broken up, to lose the connection to her father. I love the ambivalence—she knows that, abroad, she'd have more opportunities and likely live a happier life, but she can also see how much she'd be leaving behind, and what it would mean for the people she loves.
The author's Wikipedia page is fairly fascinating in its own right, and I may have to seek out some more of her work, which apparently often pulls from her own life.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
February 6, 2023
“a greek love” is the story of one woman’s life as she lives in cuba and has a great interest in greek culture. when zé becomes pregnant after a teenage fling with the son of a greek sailor, her father beats her. in cuba, soviet communists are well respected, but the greeks are hated. rather having a dead daughter than one pregnant by a greek, zé’s father makes life very hard for her. nonetheless she prevails. this is the tale of zé and her son, petros.
beautifully written and compact, zoe valdes compiles cuban social norms, greek art, and the love zé has for her son, her family, and someone special on the horizon. it’s a short, compelling novel that shows that valdes has an incredible range. one of the chapters is epistolary in nature and fits in perfectly with the narrative. the changing points of view are well done, never choppy. valdes has created a short masterpiece that captures the love between both friends and family.
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
beautifully written and compact, zoe valdes compiles cuban social norms, greek art, and the love zé has for her son, her family, and someone special on the horizon. it’s a short, compelling novel that shows that valdes has an incredible range. one of the chapters is epistolary in nature and fits in perfectly with the narrative. the changing points of view are well done, never choppy. valdes has created a short masterpiece that captures the love between both friends and family.
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 3, 2023
"Being a woman means having to arm yourself with courage for any conflict that might come along"
Definitely a case of 'it's me and not you.' I just struggled to connect with this one. The violence right in the beginning was shocking and kind of shrugged off. From there, the timeline jumps around. One, she is older, the next her son is 5. Then she's writing a letter and I can't quite date it. It was confusing and kept me from really getting in to the story. I did like the conclusion and I just love the cover. It was eye opening to see the prejudice and hate towards the Greeks, something I wasn't aware of. I just wish I'd liked it more.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Definitely a case of 'it's me and not you.' I just struggled to connect with this one. The violence right in the beginning was shocking and kind of shrugged off. From there, the timeline jumps around. One, she is older, the next her son is 5. Then she's writing a letter and I can't quite date it. It was confusing and kept me from really getting in to the story. I did like the conclusion and I just love the cover. It was eye opening to see the prejudice and hate towards the Greeks, something I wasn't aware of. I just wish I'd liked it more.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
September 11, 2023
This story opens in 1970s Cuba when the law of the jungle ruled, brutal violence went unanswered, and silence was obligatory. Sexual hypocrisy reigns in Cuba’s patriarchal culture when sixteen-year-old Zé meets a Greek sailor her age, falls in love, and becomes pregnant. Her lover will return to sea before she finds out. She will have to tell her parents and is beaten by her father, forced to flee. Zé will find refuge with her musicologist aunt Adela in Matanzas, a city that is cultured and tolerant. She will blossom there as will her son Petros, who will be raised among women, including Zé’s mother Isabel and her lover Osiris.
This story highlights the strength and growth that can be gained if women support one another. It is a short read, which brings me to my complaint. We are shown Zé’s world and the cost of teen pregnancy in the opening pages. The brutal beating Zé’s father gives her is terrifying. The dialogue with Osiris is enlightening. Then the women flee to Matanzas, and we are only told what happens. There is a difference, and it matters because we can feel how these methods play out. We can only wonder how Zé becomes in possession of her own path, how Adela impacts Petros’s future, and how Isabel and Osiris become lovers at a great cost to both of them. This is unfortunate as these are evolutions that would best be shown.
This story highlights the strength and growth that can be gained if women support one another. It is a short read, which brings me to my complaint. We are shown Zé’s world and the cost of teen pregnancy in the opening pages. The brutal beating Zé’s father gives her is terrifying. The dialogue with Osiris is enlightening. Then the women flee to Matanzas, and we are only told what happens. There is a difference, and it matters because we can feel how these methods play out. We can only wonder how Zé becomes in possession of her own path, how Adela impacts Petros’s future, and how Isabel and Osiris become lovers at a great cost to both of them. This is unfortunate as these are evolutions that would best be shown.
June 25, 2023
Within this short novel, Valdes has managed a sharp recreation of a deeply distrustful Cuba, a people made to spy on each other, harmful macho ideals, and the depths of political machinations for total control over their citizenry.
But with Zé and her son Petros, we see a woman fighting to succeed in her chosen career, raising a talented and respectful young man, and standing by her abused and then persecuted mother. I flew through this book because of its flowing prose which at times had hints of poetry, which helped me to appreciate the portrait depicted here. Even in a controlled state, there are ways to build a future and be happy.
But with Zé and her son Petros, we see a woman fighting to succeed in her chosen career, raising a talented and respectful young man, and standing by her abused and then persecuted mother. I flew through this book because of its flowing prose which at times had hints of poetry, which helped me to appreciate the portrait depicted here. Even in a controlled state, there are ways to build a future and be happy.
February 25, 2023
“ The kids didn’t cry. Children on That Island are tamed, broken like timorous little beasts of burden, trained, or rather domesticated, from the cradle. Scenes like this teach them from an early age that the best thing to do is to keep their mouths shut.”
There were so many moments throughout the book that Zoe Valdez captured in such a beautiful way the tyranny, endurance & pure Love for Cuba.
This novel takes starts in the Cuba of the 70s, a communist Cuba. Ze’s a 16 year old who felt in love with the son of a Greek sailor/captain. As a result she becomes pregnant. This acts was the lowest a young Cuban girl could do to being shame and scandal to her family. You see, for a Cuban to be in love or go as far as to have a child with a foreigner is the definition of Betraying TU PATRIA!
As Ze gives her father the news, her father acts in rage and beats her up badly.. her mother intervene and she is also attacked, because Acts of violence is the norm in Cuba. It’s a way of expressing all the frustrations thanks to being an oppressed country. It’s also a reminder of how poorly women were and continue to be treated.
“ A man would kill a woman out of jealousy, and not a single mention of the unfortunate event would appear in the papers.”
So, as they’re able to scape Ze’s father grip, Ze, her mother Isabel run away from their home into the safety of “The Greek whore” home OSIRIS. Who will turn out to be an incredible ally and the meaning of Love & Found Family.
This story was bitter sweet to read, first you have a young women who has to endure not just an abusive father but also a broken heart. A sense of giving yourself completely to love but not being able to receive it back. To dedicate your life to your first love and make that your entire personality to then have to come to your full circle moment and realize that you have lived in the past for the best years of your life…
If you are in for a Love story about Love, Sacrifices, endurance and hope, then this one is for you.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel for an exchange of a honest review.
There were so many moments throughout the book that Zoe Valdez captured in such a beautiful way the tyranny, endurance & pure Love for Cuba.
This novel takes starts in the Cuba of the 70s, a communist Cuba. Ze’s a 16 year old who felt in love with the son of a Greek sailor/captain. As a result she becomes pregnant. This acts was the lowest a young Cuban girl could do to being shame and scandal to her family. You see, for a Cuban to be in love or go as far as to have a child with a foreigner is the definition of Betraying TU PATRIA!
As Ze gives her father the news, her father acts in rage and beats her up badly.. her mother intervene and she is also attacked, because Acts of violence is the norm in Cuba. It’s a way of expressing all the frustrations thanks to being an oppressed country. It’s also a reminder of how poorly women were and continue to be treated.
“ A man would kill a woman out of jealousy, and not a single mention of the unfortunate event would appear in the papers.”
So, as they’re able to scape Ze’s father grip, Ze, her mother Isabel run away from their home into the safety of “The Greek whore” home OSIRIS. Who will turn out to be an incredible ally and the meaning of Love & Found Family.
This story was bitter sweet to read, first you have a young women who has to endure not just an abusive father but also a broken heart. A sense of giving yourself completely to love but not being able to receive it back. To dedicate your life to your first love and make that your entire personality to then have to come to your full circle moment and realize that you have lived in the past for the best years of your life…
If you are in for a Love story about Love, Sacrifices, endurance and hope, then this one is for you.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel for an exchange of a honest review.
November 13, 2023
I enjoyed this book! I really liked how it showed how one decision can change the course of your life and the lives of others. I will say that I could tell that this was a translated work with how the story flowed. However, this was a fast and gripping read!
Thanks to Net Galley and publisher for the arc!
Thanks to Net Galley and publisher for the arc!
March 19, 2023
As a Cuban-American reader whose family is from Matanzas (and whose husband was born there and lived there until we were married), I was very excited to read A Greek Love, and this gem of a novella did not disappoint. Not only does Zoé Valdés perfectly convey life in Cuba, but she renders Zé's story in a lyrical, melancholic way that will stay with me long after turning the last page. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful final pages of the novel, which connect Zé's modern-day life to her teenage experiences at the beginning of the novel.
This is a great little gem for anyone looking to read a novel by a Cuban writer, or truly anybody looking to read a lovely novella.
Thank you to Arcade and NetGalley for a free review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a great little gem for anyone looking to read a novel by a Cuban writer, or truly anybody looking to read a lovely novella.
Thank you to Arcade and NetGalley for a free review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2023
A short and easy novella based in Cuba of the 1970's, a conservative society grappling with authoritarian governance. Ze, a teenager, finds herself pregnant from a one-night stand with a Greek sailor boy. Fortunately, the women in her life provide a supportive environment and her boy grows up to be a talented musician. Will she be successful in her quest for love? Will she be united with her long-lost lover? Read this heartwarming story to find out. Interesting glimpses into the Cuba of the time. This was a refreshing filler novel after all the heavy reading Ive been doing. Perfect for a quick and easy summer beach read.
Thanks to Net Galley, Skyhorse Publishing and Zoe Valdes for the ARC.
Thanks to Net Galley, Skyhorse Publishing and Zoe Valdes for the ARC.
February 18, 2023
While it wasn’t very long, there was a lot that happened in the story. I appreciated the brief glance into Cuban culture and politics as well. I wish that there was more character development all around as I didn’t feel very invested in the story. It was also a bit surprising when we jumped timelines as there was no indication of such. It took contextual clues and I had to re-read a few sentences the first time we jumped.
September 11, 2023
a thought provoking read that gets bumbled up by its translation. for a story about womanhood….why have a man translate it…truly!!!
November 11, 2024
I read "A Greek Love: A Novel of Cuba" by Zoé Valdés (translated by David Frye) for a World Book Tour for Central America and the Caribbean. I chose books written by females who are from the regions. I tried to pick work that exclusively takes place in the region, but I failed a little here. I wanted authors who lived in the area, but Zoé Valdés was exiled and lives in Europe now.
This is a family story, and family life is not idyllic. Zé, the 16 year old girl, falls in love with a Greek cabin boy. She gets pregnant, bringing shame to the family. She seeks refuge with an aunt and has her baby boy whom she names Petros. There is much more, but I don't want to give spoilers. The look into life under Fidel Castro is very telling.
The last part of the story takes place when Petros is grown. Both Zé and Petros are educated and respected in their fields. They have to deal with much red tape in order to travel. I'll leave it at that. I suggest reading the book. I borrowed the ebook on Libby from my library. I see it on Kindle as well.
I wanted to rate everything five stars, but this wasn't quite there. It's worth reading.
This is a family story, and family life is not idyllic. Zé, the 16 year old girl, falls in love with a Greek cabin boy. She gets pregnant, bringing shame to the family. She seeks refuge with an aunt and has her baby boy whom she names Petros. There is much more, but I don't want to give spoilers. The look into life under Fidel Castro is very telling.
The last part of the story takes place when Petros is grown. Both Zé and Petros are educated and respected in their fields. They have to deal with much red tape in order to travel. I'll leave it at that. I suggest reading the book. I borrowed the ebook on Libby from my library. I see it on Kindle as well.
I wanted to rate everything five stars, but this wasn't quite there. It's worth reading.
April 2, 2023
I received this eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
This is neither a love story or a novel: at least it’s not a romantic love story. It is too short to be a novel; it’s a novella.
The length hinders what could have been a fascinating story. A young, single mother with an extended and found family with Cuban and Greek locations, and the political component all had potential. But it was told instead of developing a full, complex story, which also shortchanged what could have been an impactful ending: the only part that was really played out across the pages rather than being told.
This is neither a love story or a novel: at least it’s not a romantic love story. It is too short to be a novel; it’s a novella.
The length hinders what could have been a fascinating story. A young, single mother with an extended and found family with Cuban and Greek locations, and the political component all had potential. But it was told instead of developing a full, complex story, which also shortchanged what could have been an impactful ending: the only part that was really played out across the pages rather than being told.
August 30, 2023
⭐⭐⭐.5
Book Review: A Greek Love: A Novel of Cuba by Zoé Valdés
In her novel A Greek Love: A Novel of Cuba, Zoé Valdés takes readers on a captivating journey through 1970s Cuba, exploring themes of love, endurance, and the pursuit of dreams. Through beautiful and lyrical prose, Valdés paints a vivid picture of a young woman’s struggle against societal norms and her unwavering determination to find her one great lost love.
Summary
The story revolves around Zé, a free-spirited teenager who finds herself pregnant after a brief love affair with a Greek captain’s son. Her father, driven by his ambitions in the Party, disowns her and casts her out of her home, leaving her vulnerable and alone. With the support of her mother and aunt, Zé seeks refuge in Matanzas, a town rich in Afro-Cuban culture. Here, she raises her child while being mentored by these three older women.
Years later, Zé’s son, Petros, becomes a world-class musician, blending Cuban and Greek traditions. When Petros is invited to give concerts in Greece, Zé seizes the opportunity to accompany him secretly. Both mother and son hold onto the hope of finding Petros’s father and Zé’s lost love.
Thoughts on the Book
Firstly, let’s address the stunning cover of A Greek Love. It immediately captures the attention and sets the tone for the story within. Now, onto the review. Valdés’s writing is truly captivating and evocative. The prose is lyrical and poetic, immersing readers in the richly setting of 1970s Cuba. Offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and political climate of the time.
One aspect that makes reviewing this book challenging is its brevity. A Greek Love is essentially a novella, which means the entire story is condensed into a shorter format. While this allows for a quick and immersive read, it also limits the depth and development of certain aspects. Many important elements are mentioned but merely glossed over, leaving readers yearning for more.
For example, characters like Adela, Isabel, and Osiris are intriguing figures who play significant roles in the story. However, their backstories and relationships could have been explored further to enhance the overall narrative. Similarly, Zé’s brothers are briefly mentioned but not given the attention they deserved. These missed opportunities prevent the story from reaching its full potential as a sweeping tale encompassing Cuban history and family dynamics.
Despite these limitations, A Greek Love remains an enjoyable read. The novella format allows readers to experience the story in one sitting, immersing themselves fully in the world Valdés has created. The themes of passion, endurance, and hope resonate strongly throughout the narrative, drawing readers into Zé’s tenacious pursuit of love.
In conclusion, A Greek Love: A Novel of Cuba by Zoé Valdés offers readers a captivating glimpse into 1970s Cuba and explores themes of love, endurance, and hope. Valdés’s beautiful and poetic writing creates a vivid portrayal of the setting and characters. However, the novella format restricts the depth of certain elements, leaving readers longing for more. Despite this limitation, A Greek Love is still worth reading for its immersive storytelling and exploration of human resilience in the face of societal constraints.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 stars
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Book Review: A Greek Love: A Novel of Cuba by Zoé Valdés
In her novel A Greek Love: A Novel of Cuba, Zoé Valdés takes readers on a captivating journey through 1970s Cuba, exploring themes of love, endurance, and the pursuit of dreams. Through beautiful and lyrical prose, Valdés paints a vivid picture of a young woman’s struggle against societal norms and her unwavering determination to find her one great lost love.
Summary
The story revolves around Zé, a free-spirited teenager who finds herself pregnant after a brief love affair with a Greek captain’s son. Her father, driven by his ambitions in the Party, disowns her and casts her out of her home, leaving her vulnerable and alone. With the support of her mother and aunt, Zé seeks refuge in Matanzas, a town rich in Afro-Cuban culture. Here, she raises her child while being mentored by these three older women.
Years later, Zé’s son, Petros, becomes a world-class musician, blending Cuban and Greek traditions. When Petros is invited to give concerts in Greece, Zé seizes the opportunity to accompany him secretly. Both mother and son hold onto the hope of finding Petros’s father and Zé’s lost love.
Thoughts on the Book
Firstly, let’s address the stunning cover of A Greek Love. It immediately captures the attention and sets the tone for the story within. Now, onto the review. Valdés’s writing is truly captivating and evocative. The prose is lyrical and poetic, immersing readers in the richly setting of 1970s Cuba. Offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and political climate of the time.
One aspect that makes reviewing this book challenging is its brevity. A Greek Love is essentially a novella, which means the entire story is condensed into a shorter format. While this allows for a quick and immersive read, it also limits the depth and development of certain aspects. Many important elements are mentioned but merely glossed over, leaving readers yearning for more.
For example, characters like Adela, Isabel, and Osiris are intriguing figures who play significant roles in the story. However, their backstories and relationships could have been explored further to enhance the overall narrative. Similarly, Zé’s brothers are briefly mentioned but not given the attention they deserved. These missed opportunities prevent the story from reaching its full potential as a sweeping tale encompassing Cuban history and family dynamics.
Despite these limitations, A Greek Love remains an enjoyable read. The novella format allows readers to experience the story in one sitting, immersing themselves fully in the world Valdés has created. The themes of passion, endurance, and hope resonate strongly throughout the narrative, drawing readers into Zé’s tenacious pursuit of love.
In conclusion, A Greek Love: A Novel of Cuba by Zoé Valdés offers readers a captivating glimpse into 1970s Cuba and explores themes of love, endurance, and hope. Valdés’s beautiful and poetic writing creates a vivid portrayal of the setting and characters. However, the novella format restricts the depth of certain elements, leaving readers longing for more. Despite this limitation, A Greek Love is still worth reading for its immersive storytelling and exploration of human resilience in the face of societal constraints.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 stars
**ARC Via NetGalley**
March 27, 2023
A Greek Love é um livro sobre abrir mão de quem você é e passar por cima de todas as dificuldades pelo amor da sua vida. É um livro singelo, rico das vivências dos Cubanos em um regime autoritário que impede até que as mais simples das situações, vendo pelo nossa visão externa, torne-se extremamente preocupante: como um caso de amor adolescente que resulta em filho de um pai estrangeiro.
Além disso, a obra é sobre o amor, em que muitas vezes “nunca me senti realmente amada, sempre fui a que ama” é norte da vida da personagem, Zé e das mulheres que a apoiam logo após descobrirem sua gravidez ao se relacionar intensamente com um jovem marinheiro Grego, situação super rejeitada pela governo.
Desse amor romântico, maternal e familiar nasce Petros, seu filho, que cresce e se torna um músico famoso internacionalmente, graças as forças dessas mulheres, mas principalmente das influências dos homens da família que tem força no partido. É ele quem vai abrir os caminhos para sua mãe conhecer a Grécia e reencontrar seu antigo amor, assim como ela o fez por ele durante toda a vida.
Essa noveleta escrita pela cubana Zoé Valdés tem uma leitura super fluída que te prende desde a primeira página. Se você tem curiosidades sobre como é viver em Cuba - como uma mulher cubana - esse livro narra brevemente o machismo e autoritarismo numa visão voltada as mulheres. É um livro que se fosse maior também gostaria de ler, como foi minha primeira leitura da autora, com certeza irei ler os demais.
Além disso, a obra é sobre o amor, em que muitas vezes “nunca me senti realmente amada, sempre fui a que ama” é norte da vida da personagem, Zé e das mulheres que a apoiam logo após descobrirem sua gravidez ao se relacionar intensamente com um jovem marinheiro Grego, situação super rejeitada pela governo.
Desse amor romântico, maternal e familiar nasce Petros, seu filho, que cresce e se torna um músico famoso internacionalmente, graças as forças dessas mulheres, mas principalmente das influências dos homens da família que tem força no partido. É ele quem vai abrir os caminhos para sua mãe conhecer a Grécia e reencontrar seu antigo amor, assim como ela o fez por ele durante toda a vida.
Essa noveleta escrita pela cubana Zoé Valdés tem uma leitura super fluída que te prende desde a primeira página. Se você tem curiosidades sobre como é viver em Cuba - como uma mulher cubana - esse livro narra brevemente o machismo e autoritarismo numa visão voltada as mulheres. É um livro que se fosse maior também gostaria de ler, como foi minha primeira leitura da autora, com certeza irei ler os demais.
April 24, 2023
This novella, to be published on 2 May, is the latest work from Cuban writer, Zoé Valdés. A prolific writer, with 19 books to her name, Valdés has been called 'the Madonna of Cuban literature'. This book has certainly piqued my interest in her previous novels.
It is not a romance novel, as the title suggests, but rather a short tale of Castro's Cuba and how teenager, Zé, and her family respond to Zé's pregnancy after she has a fling with a visiting Greek cabin boy.
In 144 pages we get a snapshot of how Zé follows her love of Greek culture to provide a better life for herself and her son, supported by her mother, aunt and the local brothel owner. It's a promising story of 'passion, endurance and hope', and while i really enjoyed it, it falls short - literally. I feel like I have read a vignette of what could be a great historical fiction novel of a family saga, full of quirky and loving characters. i wanted so much more.
If you are looking for a quick and enjoyable read, I still recommend this.
"...𝙸 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎. 𝙸 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚌𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜.
𝚂𝚘, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔?
𝙾𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎, 𝙸 𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔! 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝙸 𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚌𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗...🥂
Thanks to #netgalley and @skyhorsepub for the e-arc in return for an honest review.
It is not a romance novel, as the title suggests, but rather a short tale of Castro's Cuba and how teenager, Zé, and her family respond to Zé's pregnancy after she has a fling with a visiting Greek cabin boy.
In 144 pages we get a snapshot of how Zé follows her love of Greek culture to provide a better life for herself and her son, supported by her mother, aunt and the local brothel owner. It's a promising story of 'passion, endurance and hope', and while i really enjoyed it, it falls short - literally. I feel like I have read a vignette of what could be a great historical fiction novel of a family saga, full of quirky and loving characters. i wanted so much more.
If you are looking for a quick and enjoyable read, I still recommend this.
"...𝙸 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎. 𝙸 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚌𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜.
𝚂𝚘, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔?
𝙾𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎, 𝙸 𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔! 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝙸 𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚌𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗...🥂
Thanks to #netgalley and @skyhorsepub for the e-arc in return for an honest review.
March 3, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley / Skyhorse Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Looking for a peek into Cuban politics and culture? Then check out A Greek Love, which tells the story of Zé, a teenager who becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a Greek ship captain's son. After he sails away, Zé is left alone to face the consequences, and her father violently throws her out of her home. She ends up leaving Havana to raise her son in Matanzas, surrounded by a supportive group of women. Later, Zé (who is now a Greek scholar) and her grownup son (who is a world famous musician) seek permission from the communist government to travel to Greece for a concert and to find her lost love.
This beautifully-written novella packs so much into so few pages! I loved the peek into Cuban life, as well as all the lovely descriptive details the author included, although it was hard to connect with the characters in such a short book. Let's just say I was definitely left wanting more (in a good way). This book also piqued my interest in seeking out more Cuban authors.
Looking for a peek into Cuban politics and culture? Then check out A Greek Love, which tells the story of Zé, a teenager who becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a Greek ship captain's son. After he sails away, Zé is left alone to face the consequences, and her father violently throws her out of her home. She ends up leaving Havana to raise her son in Matanzas, surrounded by a supportive group of women. Later, Zé (who is now a Greek scholar) and her grownup son (who is a world famous musician) seek permission from the communist government to travel to Greece for a concert and to find her lost love.
This beautifully-written novella packs so much into so few pages! I loved the peek into Cuban life, as well as all the lovely descriptive details the author included, although it was hard to connect with the characters in such a short book. Let's just say I was definitely left wanting more (in a good way). This book also piqued my interest in seeking out more Cuban authors.
April 28, 2023
It should have been a fast read, due to its few pages, but it took me some time to find into the story. The plot offers great potential for a complex, interesting character building and to go deeper into the political circumstances of Cuba. The novella tries to build something on the few pages - but I am not sure it fully worked out. I enjoyed the small glimpses of Cuban life, which was mostly unknown to me, but other than that I am afraid this story was too short to leave a real impact, I would have loved it to be on the grander scheme (especially Osiris was a character I wanted to know more about too). I enjoyed the read nonetheless!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read the book before release!
A quote I highlighted in the book:
„Being a woman means having to arm yourself with courage for any conflict that might come along; being a prostitute means being in constant conflict with everything around you, and I’ve made myself a strategist.“
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read the book before release!
A quote I highlighted in the book:
„Being a woman means having to arm yourself with courage for any conflict that might come along; being a prostitute means being in constant conflict with everything around you, and I’ve made myself a strategist.“
Read
May 22, 2023A Greek Love has been translated from Spanish and is a quick and somewhat enjoyable read. While some twists and turns help propel the story, many parts feel forced. For this reason, I found myself quickly losing interest in the actual characters. I continued reading because I wanted to know how it ended and hoped that it got better.
I think that what makes this read worth it was seeing the lengths a mother will do for her child. I find the bond between a child and a single mother heart-wrenching because of its beauty and its sadness. This is also true “watching” how the different relationships evolved.
I believe that there is an audience for this story but I just wasn't it. I do however think the story is well written and after learning more about the author, I gained more appreciation for it.
Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of NetGalley, the Publisher and the author, Zoé Valdés.
I think that what makes this read worth it was seeing the lengths a mother will do for her child. I find the bond between a child and a single mother heart-wrenching because of its beauty and its sadness. This is also true “watching” how the different relationships evolved.
I believe that there is an audience for this story but I just wasn't it. I do however think the story is well written and after learning more about the author, I gained more appreciation for it.
Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of NetGalley, the Publisher and the author, Zoé Valdés.
February 3, 2023
A Greek Love, written by Zoe Valdes, is a translated short lyrical novel that has beautifully captured the oppression, abuse, passion, hope, and love of Cuba into words. I can only imagine what the book reads like in Spanish. The story flawlessly travels through Ze’s life as it starts at age sixteen when she gets pregnant by a Greek Sailor. In mid-1970s Cuba, this was considered a shame and a scandal. Labeled a “Greek’s Whore”, Ze’s father beats her and disowns her leaving her no choice but to live with her Tia in the countryside, where she raises her son. This book sheds light on what mid-1970s Cuban communism was like and how it affected people. Sadly, Cuba remains a communist government to this day. This book is worth the read if you’re looking for something different.
April 30, 2024
Thanks NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book. I originally read it in February/March of 2023 but only provided a review on StoryGraph.
This novella follows first a Cuban teenager who falls in love with a a Greek sailor and has to leave home once she discovers she is pregnant with his child. Later, we follow the son as he travels to Greece to find more about his father.
Honestly, while it was not a bad read, it fell flat for me. Everything was very surface level and I didn’t connect with the characters. I think this is due to the length, if it was longer we could have jumped in and explored more the social/economic issues and dive deeper into the characters relationships with one another.
This novella follows first a Cuban teenager who falls in love with a a Greek sailor and has to leave home once she discovers she is pregnant with his child. Later, we follow the son as he travels to Greece to find more about his father.
Honestly, while it was not a bad read, it fell flat for me. Everything was very surface level and I didn’t connect with the characters. I think this is due to the length, if it was longer we could have jumped in and explored more the social/economic issues and dive deeper into the characters relationships with one another.
July 4, 2023
A short novella about a woman in 1970s Cuba who becomes pregnant with a Greek’s son and learns all the meanings of love in life over the course of her and her child’s life.
This was a quick and easy read, with a little too much telling in places… I appreciated the quickness but I honestly would’ve loved more interior detail about the characters. The author herself sounds fascinating so I may explore her life more. I am sure that some things do suffer from translations; however, when there were descriptions of the setting, I loved soaking it in. I’ve read little about Cuba, and nothing about this time period in this area, so I was shocked to learn how rough times were.
This was a quick and easy read, with a little too much telling in places… I appreciated the quickness but I honestly would’ve loved more interior detail about the characters. The author herself sounds fascinating so I may explore her life more. I am sure that some things do suffer from translations; however, when there were descriptions of the setting, I loved soaking it in. I’ve read little about Cuba, and nothing about this time period in this area, so I was shocked to learn how rough times were.
February 13, 2023
"For readers of Isabel Allende, Gabriela Garcia, and Julia Alvarez, the story of a woman who must fight for her love and her child in a Cuba suffocated by oppression"
With 144 pages, A Greek Love gives us a glimpse of life in Cuba and Greek-Cuban relations (which was all new to me!), as well as a young mother's love for her son and the misogyny that our FMCs experience. SO many topics covered in such a short book!! Highly recommend for those who like shorter reads--easy to get through and beautifully written.
Thank you NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the arc!
With 144 pages, A Greek Love gives us a glimpse of life in Cuba and Greek-Cuban relations (which was all new to me!), as well as a young mother's love for her son and the misogyny that our FMCs experience. SO many topics covered in such a short book!! Highly recommend for those who like shorter reads--easy to get through and beautifully written.
Thank you NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the arc!
April 11, 2023
A Greek Love is just that, a book filled with love for a Greek sailor, Greece and its culture and a son born to a Greek sailor. Love is certainly the theme, through trauma, heartache, and loss.
Ze is a young girl living in Cuba who finds herself pregnant, the father a young Greek sailor who has already sailed away from Cuba with no idea he has left a child behind. The story follows Ze and her family through her pregnancy to old age where she and her child reunite with the loved Greek sailor.
This was a very quick and beautiful read. It does have moments that are difficult to read and could use a trigger warning for domestic violence.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Ze is a young girl living in Cuba who finds herself pregnant, the father a young Greek sailor who has already sailed away from Cuba with no idea he has left a child behind. The story follows Ze and her family through her pregnancy to old age where she and her child reunite with the loved Greek sailor.
This was a very quick and beautiful read. It does have moments that are difficult to read and could use a trigger warning for domestic violence.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2023
A GREEK LOVE - ARC REVIEW
This was a quick read about a Cuban woman's love for her son born out of wedlock to a Greek sailor, as well as her loyalty to her family. The story crosses years and shows the reader a glimpse into life in Cuba throughout the time periods. It took some time for me to get into this story so overall I don't think it was for me but I can appreciate the style of writing and the overall themes the author used, such as love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a quick read about a Cuban woman's love for her son born out of wedlock to a Greek sailor, as well as her loyalty to her family. The story crosses years and shows the reader a glimpse into life in Cuba throughout the time periods. It took some time for me to get into this story so overall I don't think it was for me but I can appreciate the style of writing and the overall themes the author used, such as love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2023
This was a lovely novella about motherhood, sexuality, and womanhood in oppressive communist Cuba translated from the Spanish.
As a teenager, Ze finds herself pregnant after a tryst with a Greek captain's son. She soon faces the wrath of her party line walking father yet finds safety and family with her mother, aunt, and Osiris "the Greek sailorman's whore." Much later in life, Ze's son Petros is a famous Cuban musician who takes her on tour to Greece where she reunites with his father.
This story makes clear the tragedy and heartbreak of mothering, loving, and surviving as a woman in an oppressive dictatorship masked as communism. I loved this taste of Cuban life.
Thanks to NetGalley and SkyHorse for the e-ARC.
As a teenager, Ze finds herself pregnant after a tryst with a Greek captain's son. She soon faces the wrath of her party line walking father yet finds safety and family with her mother, aunt, and Osiris "the Greek sailorman's whore." Much later in life, Ze's son Petros is a famous Cuban musician who takes her on tour to Greece where she reunites with his father.
This story makes clear the tragedy and heartbreak of mothering, loving, and surviving as a woman in an oppressive dictatorship masked as communism. I loved this taste of Cuban life.
Thanks to NetGalley and SkyHorse for the e-ARC.
February 6, 2023
Despite the title, this is less of a love story and more a brief, but interesting, view into Cuba, with a bit of Greek/Cuban relations thrown in.
It was hard to connect with the characters in such a short novella. The jumps between past and present don't seem to allow the storyline to develop enough for me.
I wasn't left fully satisfied by the end. But this is not a bad choice if you are looking for something different to read in one sitting.
It was hard to connect with the characters in such a short novella. The jumps between past and present don't seem to allow the storyline to develop enough for me.
I wasn't left fully satisfied by the end. But this is not a bad choice if you are looking for something different to read in one sitting.
March 6, 2023
A wonderful story of Zé, a teenager in Cuba’s “gray years” who ends up pregnant by a Greek sailor. Ranging from an abusive father to being a single mother and persevering through invisibility, the only thing I found this novella lacked was more of Zé’s story. I would have easily read 300 more pages. So many aspects of Zé’s life were presented, but only briefly. I would have loved this story in the scope of a novel.
Thanks to Arcade Publishing for the ARC!
Thanks to Arcade Publishing for the ARC!
July 13, 2023
Told between Ze's past and becoming pregnant with Petros in Havana to her move to Matazanas to raise her son after being kicked out by her father for getting pregnant by a Greek sailor's son, this story tells of a woman's journey in Cuba. The story continues with Ze's eventual trip to Greece to reconcile with her past and move on despite the constraints put on her as a Cuban woman. It's an interesting and moving story.
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