Sometimes when I am reading, I would get lost in the text.

Before I know it, I realize that I didn't understand the last few paragraphs. The language used is often so flowery that it becomes a bit of a challenge to follow.

However, despite this, I still enjoy the story. I have a great desire for this man in the story to finally be happy.

I want him to be with his love and to find out how he ended up in the situation he is in.

The mystery and the emotional aspect of the story keep pulling me in, making me eager to know more about the characters and their fates.

Even though the language might pose some difficulties, it also adds a certain charm and beauty to the narrative.

I am determined to persevere and continue reading, hoping to uncover all the secrets and surprises that the story has in store.

This summer, I randomly picked up a book.

At first, I didn't have high expectations for it. However, as I started reading, I was quickly drawn into its captivating world.

The story was filled with interesting characters and a thrilling plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Each chapter revealed new surprises and twists, making it impossible for me to put the book down.

Not only was the story engaging, but the writing style was also excellent. The author's descriptive language painted vivid pictures in my mind, allowing me to truly immerse myself in the story.

Overall, I was really impressed with this book. It turned out to be a hidden gem that I'm so glad I discovered.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read this summer.

Slow and boring,

that's how I felt about the book. I actually gave up in the middle because it just wasn't hooking me in. I managed to get through 140 pages, but it was just too repetitive and tepid. The story didn't seem to be going anywhere, and the characters lacked depth and excitement. I found myself constantly looking at the page number, hoping that something interesting would finally happen. But alas, it never did. I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn't deliver. Maybe it's not my cup of tea, or maybe the author could have done a better job of engaging the reader. Either way, I'm disappointed and won't be recommending this book to anyone.

With a style as lyrical as music itself, Hijuelos delves deep into the profound themes of longing and loss, as well as the glorious pinnacles of life and love.

Israel Levis, a devout Catholic and a highly successful composer in pre-war Cuba, faces numerous challenges. He grapples with the pressures that come with success, the intricacies of love, and the demands of his family.

His life takes a drastic turn when he is imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. However, through his unwavering faith and inner strength, he endures the horrors and emerges victorious.

Ultimately, Israel Levis finds salvation and peace, having overcome all the obstacles in his path. His journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the ability to find hope and love even in the darkest of times.

Hijuelos' masterful storytelling brings this captivating tale to life, leaving readers spellbound and inspired.

Most of Hijuelos’s novels are centered around Cuban immigrants and their journey of acculturation in America.

In his most captivating work, A Simple Habana Melody, he delves into Cuba, the land of his heritage. Here, he explores the life of Israel Levis, a talented and renowned musician residing in Habana. (It's interesting to note that Hijuelos opts for the phonetic spelling of “Habana” rather than Havana.)

The novel commences with Israel's return trip to Habana from Europe after his incarceration in the Nazi concentration camp at Buchenwald. Having been on tour in Paris when the war struck France, Israel's name leads to the misidentification of his identity as a Jew, and thus he is dispatched to a labor camp. In the initial pages of the novel, as he sails back to Habana, the story unfolds in a backward direction. With magnificent descriptions, Hijuelos chronicles Israel's life from his curious childhood to his prosperous career as a composer. A significant portion of the plot focuses on Israel's lifelong love affair with the elusive Rita Valladares.

This novel stands out in Hijuelos’s body of work. His prose is exquisitely rich and elegant, filled with sadness and longing. He captures the unspoiled beauty of Cuba and an era of musical wonder in Habana prior to the war and the subsequent revolution with the ascent of communism. Hijuelos is a writer worthy of admiration for his literary talents: the fine and precise prose, the polish evident in each sentence, the guilty pleasure of sensuality and eroticism in his scenes, and the incredibly real and unforgettable characters he creates. A Simple Habana Melody is my favorite Hijuelos novel, one in which the images and passages of Cuba remain as vivid as photographs in my memory.

**A Difficult Life In Havana**

The "Simple Habana Melody" of the book's title is a song and rumba called "Rosas Puras" that the main character, a fictional composer named Israel Levis, composed in about 20 minutes in a bar in 1928 with his friend and lyricist, Manny Cortez. The song was written for the love of Levis's life, a singer named Rita Valladares. The relationship between Levis and Valladares is the core of this story. Levis's song made both of them famous and had a great impact on the rest of their lives.

Throughout the novel, Hijuelos contrasts the simplicity and immediate appeal of Levis's song with the difficult nature of his life. Born to a physician father who was also an amateur musician and nature student, Levis showed extraordinary talent at the piano and an amazing ability for composition, both of popular tunes and more classical works. However, Levis also had a strong appetite for food, liquor, cigars, and paid sex, and much of his life was superficially sensual.

Yet, there was more to Israel Levis. Despite his devotion to the senses, he was a devout Catholic. The novel perhaps too easily hinges on his name, which led the Germans to mistake him for Jewish during the Nazi occupation in Paris and send him to Buchenwald, where he barely survived 14 months of imprisonment. Levis was attached to his mother and had difficulty with his own sexuality. He seemed attracted to men but was unwilling to admit it to himself. He also had trouble establishing a love relationship with a woman, despite Rita Valladares's obvious interest.

Hijuelos's book begins late in Levis's life, after he returns to Havana in 1947 as a thin and broken man. The central part of the book describes his apparently happier and fuller younger days, which were marred by family deaths, repressive politics in Cuba, and his inability to have a sexual relationship with Rita. Upon his return, Levis was unable to compose or even play the piano. He had become skeptical of religion but had not completely lost his faith. He seemed lost and lonely, deeply afraid of dying alone.

Hijuelos shows Levis both during his active years and when he reflects on his life after returning to Havana in 1947 to seek redemption. Levis comes to see his life as "The Loveliness of a Dream." He recognizes the failures and lost opportunities, especially in his relationship with Rita, but he also comes to terms with himself and is able to start new important projects in his last years. He finds a sense of peace while acknowledging his disappointments.

Hijuelos's novel is filled with the love of music and the sights and sounds of Havana in the 1920s and 30s. It also explores in a poignant way the issues of religion, sexuality, and self-knowledge that trouble his hero, Israel Levis. The book is a complex, many-voiced fugue beneath a deceptively simple melody.

I really liked the book.

The characters in it were truly memorable. They seemed to come alive on the pages, making me feel as if I knew them personally.

The description of what the musician endured in Germany during World War II was extremely disturbing and left a lasting impression on me. It was a vivid portrayal of the harsh realities of that time.

His account of what took place in Cuba under Machado was accurate in certain aspects, but not entirely in others. It was interesting to see how he presented this part of the story.

However, I do think the book could have been shorter. There were some parts that felt a little repetitive, which made the reading experience a bit less smooth.

Despite that, I still managed to finish it, and overall, I found it to be an engaging and thought-provoking read.

I would recommend it to others who are interested in historical fiction or stories that explore different cultures and time periods.

A really good book not only reads well but also offers so much more.

Take, for example, a book that delves into the history of early 1920 - 1940 Cuba. During this time, Cuba was going through significant changes.

The political and social landscape was evolving, and the book vividly描绘s these transformations.

Moreover, it brings in the context of World War II. The war had a profound impact on Cuba, both economically and socially.

The book explores how Cuba was affected by the global conflict and how it adapted and changed as a result.

By adding this historical backdrop, the book becomes even more engaging and informative. It allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of Cuba's past and how it has shaped the country we know today.

Overall, a good book that combines an interesting narrative with historical accuracy is a real gem. It not only entertains but also educates, leaving readers with a wealth of knowledge and a new perspective on the world.

4 solid stars

This is my favorite novel by Hijuelos. It is a truly remarkable piece of work that combines beauty, tragedy, atmosphere, yearning, and a touch of the twisted. The unreliable narrative adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue, keeping the reader on their toes throughout. The main character is both sympathetic and deeply flawed, making it easy to become invested in their story. The luscious historical settings are vividly described, transporting the reader back in time and immersing them in the world of the novel. If you have a love for music, this is definitely a book you should read. It weaves together the power of music and the human experience in a way that is both moving and unforgettable.

I wholeheartedly agree with a significant number of reviewers. Years ago, when I delved into this book, I couldn't help but find it rather dull and uninteresting. It left me with a sense of disappointment and a lack of engagement. However, as I look back now, I can't help but wonder if the passage of time and my own personal growth might have changed my perspective. Perhaps if I were to read it today, with a more open mind and a different set of life experiences, I might be able to appreciate its finer points and hidden depths.

On a different note, I must admit that I really liked the movie "The Mambo Kings" which was based on his other book. The movie managed to capture the essence and魅力 of the story, bringing the characters and their world to life in a vivid and captivating way. It had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.

I truly relished taking this journey along with the lead character. He was a Cuban bachelor who had dedicated his life to the art of composing. The story in the book unfolds, following his lifelong unrequited love affair. It was a captivating narrative that drew me in from the very beginning. The author's writing was so beautifully crafted that it painted a vivid picture in my mind. I could almost see the Cuban landscapes and feel the emotions of the characters. It was a journey of love, loss, and longing that touched my heart. I found myself completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down. It was a truly remarkable read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a beautifully written love story.

Book club is a wonderful place for book lovers to gather.

It provides a platform where people can share their passion for reading and exchange ideas about different books.

In a book club, members can choose a book to read together and then have discussions about it.

These discussions can help members understand the book better and gain new perspectives.

Book clubs also offer opportunities for members to make new friends who share the same interests.

Moreover, being part of a book club can improve one's reading skills and vocabulary.

Overall, book club is a great way to enhance the reading experience and connect with others.

Whether you are a seasoned reader or just starting out, joining a book club can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.