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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
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3 stars
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99 reviews
July 14,2025
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A Captivating Fictional Tale Set in Cuba



In the heart of Cuba, there lies a story that unfolds like a beautiful salsa dance. It begins with a young Cuban girl named Isabella. She lives in a colorful neighborhood filled with the sounds of music and the laughter of her neighbors. One day, Isabella discovers an old, hidden journal in the attic of her family's home. The journal is filled with tales of adventure and love from a bygone era.

As Isabella delves deeper into the journal, she becomes transported to a world of mystery and excitement. She meets a charming young man named Alejandro, who seems to have a connection to the stories in the journal. Together, they embark on a journey across Cuba, following the clues left in the journal. Along the way, they encounter friendly locals, explore beautiful beaches, and experience the rich culture and history of the island.

As their adventure comes to an end, Isabella and Alejandro realize that they have found something much more precious than the secrets in the journal. They have found love and a new appreciation for the beauty and magic of Cuba. This fictional story about Cuba is a celebration of the island's rich culture, vibrant people, and unforgettable charm.
July 14,2025
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The story of a retired detective-turned-writer who comes out of retirement to investigate a case involving Ernest Hemingway truly intrigued me.

It has this interesting narrative structure that moves back and forth between the present and 1958. This allows the author to explore the famous author's character through the eyes and obsession of the protagonist.

This is not your ordinary detective story. Instead, it's a deep character study centered around a 50-year-old mystery. It makes us think about questions like the source of a creative person's talent and our fascination with those who have a certain genius but are also flawed.

In the end, we have to ask ourselves: is it our flaws that define our human relationships just as much as our gifts? The writing in this story is really strong and has a poetic feel to it. I firmly believe that the author was greatly helped by an excellent translator.

The combination of the engaging plot, the thought-provoking themes, and the beautiful writing makes this a truly remarkable piece of work.
July 14,2025
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Meld of biography, mystery, and fiction - this book is a captivating blend.

I'm still in the process of untangling the intricate strands of this noir tale. It's about a Cuban cop who, as a young man, adored Hemingway but later came to loathe the macho violence of the man.

Forty years after Hemingway's death, the cop is brought in to investigate a cold case. The mystery? Why is there a corpse on Papa's estate?

The narrative skillfully switches between the cop's point of view and Hemingway's last days in Cuba. This adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a truly engaging read.

Despite its short length, it manages to pack a punch and keep the reader hooked from start to finish. It's a great choice for those looking for a quick but satisfying read that combines elements of different genres.

Whether you're a fan of biography, mystery, or fiction, this book has something to offer. So, pick it up and prepare to be immersed in a world of intrigue and mystery.

July 14,2025
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The Conte has retired, but which policeman can stay away from a mystery... especially when it comes to the body found in Hemingway's garden? So he agrees to help his friends in the attempt to find the truth about the murderer... This is the first book I have read by Padoura, and one of the reasons I started reading it is that the story involves the author Hemingway. Padoura then writes a novel with a police theme that is actually very limited since the author decides to give more emphasis to the relationship between Conte and Hemingway. Through Conte's love and hatred for this American author, we read again about their strengths and weaknesses...! Reading this novel, I concluded that Padoura creates a psychological portrait of the American author. The narration is in the third person, and as for the content, it is divided into two parts: 1) the identification of the body and the discovery of the murderer, 2) the narration of the events on the night of the murder. The writing is simple and easy to read!

Overall, this novel offers an interesting exploration of the relationship between Conte and Hemingway, as well as a mystery that keeps the reader engaged. While the police aspect may be somewhat limited, the focus on the characters and their emotions adds depth to the story. Padoura's writing style is accessible, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy mystery novels with a psychological twist.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Hemingway or enjoys a good mystery. It provides a unique perspective on the famous author and offers an engaging story that will keep you turning the pages. Whether you are a fan of police procedurals or simply looking for an interesting read, this novel is definitely worth checking out.
July 14,2025
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I would have liked a different ending.

Sometimes, when we watch a movie, read a book, or experience a story, we envision a different outcome. We might feel that the ending didn't quite match our expectations or that it could have been more satisfying.

In this case, I had a particular vision in my mind for how the story should have ended. Maybe it was a more heroic conclusion, a happier resolution, or a more unexpected twist.

But unfortunately, the actual ending didn't meet my desires. It left me with a sense of disappointment or a feeling that something was missing.

However, I also realize that different endings can add to the complexity and richness of a story. They can make us think, debate, and analyze.

Even though I would have preferred a different ending, I can still appreciate the story for what it is and the emotions it evoked in me.

Perhaps in the end, it's not about having the perfect ending, but about the journey that the story takes us on.
July 14,2025
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I have truly loved all the Conde stories.

Each one has been a unique and captivating journey. The characters are so vividly brought to life, and their adventures and experiences draw me in completely.

The plots are filled with excitement, mystery, and emotion, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery or a heartwarming tale of love and friendship, the Conde stories always manage to touch my heart and leave a lasting impression.

I can't wait to discover more of these wonderful stories and see where they will take me next.

I highly recommend the Conde stories to anyone who loves a good read and wants to be transported to another world.
July 14,2025
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This work is more of a complex tribute to Hemingway that combines elements of love, hate, and disappointment rather than a traditional detective novel. And in this regard, it truly succeeds.

It manages to capture the essence of Hemingway's spirit and the emotions he often evoked in his readers. The story weaves through a web of relationships and experiences that are both familiar and yet uniquely its own.

If it were possible to rate it more precisely, my rating would be 3 1/2 stars. This indicates that while it may not be a perfect masterpiece, it has enough merit and charm to keep the reader engaged and interested throughout.

The author has done a remarkable job of creating a world that pays homage to Hemingway while also adding their own creative twists and turns. It's a must-read for fans of Hemingway and those who appreciate a well-written and thought-provoking story.
July 14,2025
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Recently, a skeleton was discovered on the writer Hemingway's farm. The bones belonged to a man who was killed forty years ago after being shot twice. The police suspect that the writer is the murderer. Will it be proven that Hemingway is the killer, or are there other hands involved in this crime?


The book sheds light on Hemingway's personal life, touching on his four wives, his friendships, and the story of his suicide.


It is a complex and fascinating exploration of a literary giant and a possible dark chapter in his life. As the investigation unfolds, more details may emerge that could change our perception of Hemingway forever.

July 14,2025
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Señores!


You must read this book because it is revealing, entertaining, profound, well-written, and very original. It is a captivating story that transports us to pre-revolutionary Cuba without chewing gum, with a great respect for the culture and intelligence of the characters, and also with a deep critical sense about the intellectualism that surrounds the Cuban fact between the 40s and the 60s. The treatment of Hemingway is unbiased, free, respectful, and demystifying. I learned that geniuses and their extraordinary minds share the vices and virtues of other mortals.


I finished reading this book on a Rome-Caracas flight on October 3, 2009.

July 14,2025
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I really loved delving into all the intricate details that ultimately led to Hemingway's suicide. He was indeed an extremely interesting author, with a life filled with extremes.

However, I didn't enjoy the mystery aspect as much. There were certain details that really troubled me, and as a result, I just couldn't give this work a higher rating.

The writing, on the other hand, flows very nicely. It's such a quick and easy read that you can breeze through it in no time.

Unfortunately, despite its engaging writing style, it won't be highly memorable for me. I don't think it will make it onto my re-read list either. That's why I'm giving it a 3 out of 5 rating.

Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't quite reach the level that would have made it truly outstanding in my eyes.
July 14,2025
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A good book indeed.

The main character of this captivating tale is a retired policeman. Currently, he has a dual aspiration. On one hand, he desires to be a writer, hoping to pen down his experiences and insights. On the other hand, he is also engaged in working as a private eye. Interestingly, there is a whole series of earlier books that chronicle his adventures as a policeman in Havana.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this character is his conflicted feelings about Hemingway. These emotions shift and change throughout the story, adding an extra layer of complexity to his character. Sometimes, he idolizes Hemingway and is inspired by his writing style and life. At other times, he may question Hemingway's choices or find himself in a state of rivalry with the literary giant.

This book not only offers a thrilling mystery with the private eye aspect but also delves deep into the psyche of its main character, exploring his dreams, conflicts, and the influence of a literary icon on his life.
July 14,2025
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The first book I read of Padoura.

It was really nice and smart writing. It put me well into its story.

I will definitely read other works of his as well.

Padoura's writing style is captivating. The story he weaves is full of details and emotions that draw the reader in.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their lives.

The plot is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to find out what happens next.

I'm looking forward to exploring more of his books and seeing what other精彩 stories he has to offer.
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