The main character is truly fascinating, captivating the reader's attention from the very beginning.

Moreover, all the characters and situations presented in the story are extremely believable, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the narrative.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is the author's asides and commentaries about New York and its rich culture.

These insights add depth and authenticity to the story, allowing the reader to gain a better understanding of the setting and the people who inhabit it.

The author's love for New York shines through in every word, making the city itself a character in the story.

Overall, this is a wonderful read that combines an engaging plot with well-developed characters and a vivid portrayal of a vibrant city.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story and wants to explore the unique culture of New York.

I was completely enthralled with Hijuelos's upcoming release, "Beautiful Maria of My Soul". So, when I ran across this in the library, I quite literally jumped up and down and made some gleeful noises. However, Hijuelos's previous work, namely this particular novel, did not live up to my expectations.

Around page 125 or thereabouts, I started wondering, "What is the plot? What the heck is this about, really?" It's written somewhat like a biography about a fictional Cuban American maid, Lydia. Lydia cleans rich people's apartments and fantasizes about being like them. She is always trying to be someone she is not or at least give them the impression that she is better than those around her. Her husband has a bad heart. Her daughter is a sexually curious Beatles fan, and her son has a near miss with a life of crime. Basically, it is about a family living in the 1960s in New York. That's it. They just happen to be Cuban, but very little Cuban culture comes to light in any part of the novel. BORING!

I stuck with it because I had no other book on my person today. However, in the end, I did realize that there was a moral to the story. "Money doesn't necessarily mean happiness. You can be poor and happy or rich and miserable or vice versa." Hopefully, Lydia realizes that before it is too late.

3.7 stars

This is not a work that grips you tightly with its plot, but rather a thoughtful and highly analytical one.

A Cuban family residing in NYC is examined in considerable detail. The mother, Lydia, takes center stage for the most part. The father, Raul, the daughter Alicia, who has drifted far from her culture, and the son Rico, who is perpetually caught between Cuban life and values and those of "America", are also explored. At times, I couldn't help but wonder if Rico stood for the author, carefully examining his own family and attempting to embrace a culture that was foreign to him.

Lydia works as a cleaning lady for numerous clients and has a particular affection for Mr. and Mrs. Osprey, whom she perceives as rich. They possess antiques and valuable art, and Lydia aspires to their perceived classiness. However, Lydia herself exudes class. She carries herself with dignity, dresses well, and endeavors to improve herself and the fortunes of her children. She is polite and conducts herself with courtesy, although she does display some snobbish tendencies. If we are inclined to look down on Lydia, who is poor, we should perhaps re-evaluate our own moral compass.

As time passes, everyone ages. That's the inevitable reality.

I took this particular book out of Elizabeth's famous book box. At first glance, it actually looked rather dull, and it didn't seem to start off very fast. However, to my surprise, I quickly got hooked. I have a penchant for books that feature people who are very average in appearance and circumstances but possess some kind of special spark within them.

I really shouldn't have picked this up right now, though. The reason being that I need to start and/or finish three other books that are already waiting for my attention.

I finished reading this book some time ago, and let me tell you, WOW! I truly wish I could find a copy of Mambo Kings. The Empress is an absolutely wonderful book and has now become one of my very favorites. There are many books that I love, but I don't necessarily feel the urge to press them on others. This one, however, is an exception. I highly recommend that you READ IT!!!

It's a book that has the power to captivate and inspire, and I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do.

I don't typically leave reviews as I'm extremely picky about the books I read. If I don't think I'll enjoy a book, I won't even bother opening it. So, it seems rather strange to be reviewing books that I was already inclined to like. Anyway, I think I picked this one up for free. I've read some stories about Cuban immigrants and exiles and thought this would be interesting. Then I saw that the author wrote "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love". How could I not like it, right? He won a Pulitzer Prize for it! But, even setting aside the casual sexism (which is why, for the most part, I don't read male authors anymore), I really, really didn't like the writing.

I kept getting bored and would start to think about something else. Yet, the story was truly great, and I wanted to know what happened. I don't believe it has ever taken me 6 days to read a 342-page book. It felt like doing homework. His sentences are, like, half a page long, and I think they're supposed to evoke poetry and mysticism, but they're just irritating. And, after all that, the characters remained very one-dimensional. Hardly any of them were likable, but I don't mind that if it's told well. I've read female writers who are Cuban, and they are poetic and non-linear, and many characters only speak Spanish. But they just do it all so much better.

I was really disappointed with this book. I had such high expectations, especially after seeing the author's previous work and the Pulitzer Prize. But the writing style just didn't work for me. It was a struggle to get through the book, even though the story had potential. I think I'll stick to reading female authors from now on, as they seem to be able to tell stories in a more engaging and satisfying way.

The story had its slow moments, but overall, it truly made a profound impact on me.

I have a great admiration for Oscar Hijuelos. His work has this remarkable ability to present the working person in a light that makes them seem extremely dignified.

It's as if he shines a spotlight on the often overlooked aspects of their lives, highlighting their struggles, their determination, and their inherent worth.

Through his words, we are able to see the working class not just as faceless individuals laboring away, but as people with dreams, hopes, and a sense of pride in what they do.

This portrayal is not only refreshing but also deeply moving, making us realize the importance and value of every single person who contributes to society through their work.

Oscar Hijuelos has a gift for bringing these characters to life and making us care about them, and for that, I am truly grateful.

His work serves as a reminder that no matter what our occupation may be, we all have the potential to be heroes in our own right.

Meh.

There were simply too many short vignettes in this work.

It lacked a sufficient plot or a smooth flow.

As a result, I constantly felt distracted while reading.

I had hoped for more of the essence of Moore Cuba and less of the Bronx.

The short vignettes seemed to jump around without a clear direction or connection.

It made it difficult for me to fully engage with the story and become invested in the characters.

I longed for a more cohesive and developed narrative that would draw me in and keep my attention.

Perhaps if there had been a stronger focus on the plot and a better sense of continuity, I would have had a more positive experience.

As it stands, the abundance of short vignettes left me feeling somewhat dissatisfied and longing for something more substantial.

Hijuelos offers a perceptive and empathetic exploration of the challenges Cuban immigrants encounter in the novel Empress of the Splendid Season. It delves into the lives of Lydia and Raul Espana, Cuban immigrants residing in New York City. Lydia works as a house cleaner, while Raul is a waiter. The novel acknowledges the cultural conflicts, generational divides, the role of women in society, and the erosion of values. Hijuelos meticulously details the arduous life of Lydia and Raul. He scrutinizes their neighboring pasts, intertwining achievements with sorrow and hardship as they strive to reconcile their Cuban identity with the influences of American culture. Additionally, the novel examines the lives of the Espana children, Alicia and Rico, who embody second-generation immigrant characters.

The story unfolds, revealing the complex tapestry of their experiences. Lydia and Raul face numerous obstacles as they try to adapt to their new environment while still holding onto their cultural roots. The cultural differences often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, both within their family and in their interactions with the wider American society. The generational gap between Lydia and Raul and their children also becomes a significant factor, as Alicia and Rico grow up in a different world with different values and aspirations.

Hijuelos' writing brings to life the struggles and triumphs of these characters, painting a vivid picture of the immigrant experience. Through his细腻的描写, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Cuban immigrants and the importance of preserving cultural identity in a new land. Empress of the Splendid Season is a powerful and poignant novel that explores themes of assimilation, cultural identity, and the American dream.

I truly enjoyed the descriptive writing and the remarkable character development in this book. It was so engaging that I am now determined to seek out other works by this talented author.

The story served as a fascinating mirror to life. Depending on one's mood, it had the power to reflect either the selfish and narcissistic aspects of humanity or the unwavering dedication to family that propels us forward in the face of adversity and the drudgery of daily life. The central character was refreshingly human, with both good and bad qualities. She might not be the kind of person I would choose as a friend, but I am well aware that there are many individuals in the world who share her traits.

This book has left a lasting impression on me, and I look forward to exploring more of the author's literary offerings.

The film is somewhat disjointed, and unfortunately, it lacks some of the energy that was present in the Mambo Kings.

However, one aspect that was quite interesting was the mom's reflection on her life. She thought about her marriage, the joys and challenges that came with it.

She also considered her kids, how they had grown and the impact they had on her life.

Another significant theme was her awareness of aging and how it had changed her perspective on many things.

Overall, while the film may have had its flaws in terms of cohesion and energy, the mom's internal monologue and self-reflection added a layer of depth and poignancy that made it worth watching.

It made the audience think about their own lives, relationships, and the passage of time.

Perhaps if the filmmakers had been able to better integrate these elements and bring more energy to the overall narrative, the film could have been even more engaging and memorable.

Nevertheless, it still managed to touch on some universal themes that resonate with viewers on a personal level.

Eh... it was not well shaped. The overall structure seemed a bit off, lacking that seamless flow that makes a story truly engaging. And the omniscient voice, while an interesting narrative choice, wasn't very convincing. It often felt as if it was trying too hard to be all-knowing, rather than simply guiding the reader through the story in a natural way. Sometimes its tone was jarringly current, as if it was trying to be too hip and modern, which didn't quite fit with the rest of the narrative.

Still, despite these flaws, I liked it better than most novels that are so devoid of dialogue. The lack of meaningful conversations between characters can make a story feel flat and lifeless. In this novel, at least, the characters were reasonably absorbing. They had their own personalities, motivations, and conflicts, which made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen to them. While it may not have been a perfect novel, it had enough redeeming qualities to keep me interested from start to finish.

The story of the Cuban cleaning lady's struggles to make a life in the United States is a tale filled with perseverance and determination.

She left her homeland in search of better opportunities and a brighter future for herself and her family.

Upon arriving in the US, she faced numerous challenges. The language barrier was one of the first obstacles she had to overcome. She had to learn English quickly in order to communicate with her employers and colleagues.

Finding a stable job was also not easy. She worked long hours as a cleaning lady, often cleaning offices and buildings late at night.

Despite the hardships, she never gave up. She saved every penny she could and slowly but surely built a better life for herself.

Today, she is a proud homeowner and has managed to send her children to college. Her story is an inspiration to all those who are facing difficulties in their lives.

It shows that with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, anything is possible.