Cuba has a unique charm that can be seen from a non-political perspective.

It is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The people of Cuba are known for their warmth and hospitality, and this is especially true for those who have a connection to Hemingway.

Hemingway spent a significant amount of time in Cuba, and his presence has left a lasting impact on the island.

For a Cuban, Hemingway represents a link to the outside world, a symbol of literary greatness, and a source of inspiration.

His works have introduced Cuba to a global audience and have helped to shape the country's image in the eyes of the world.

Whether it's visiting the places where Hemingway lived and wrote, or simply reading his books, a Cuban can feel a sense of pride and connection to this literary icon.

In conclusion, Hemingway's influence on Cuba is significant and far-reaching, and his presence continues to be felt on the island today.

My first reading of Leonardo Padura and of Spanish literature...

It was an enjoyable novel. Through it, I learned a lot of information about Havana, and I enjoyed the crime aspect. Even though the names sometimes got a bit mixed up with each other, the narrative was smooth.

Leonardo Padura's work offers a unique perspective on Cuban society and its underbelly. The description of Havana is vivid, making you feel as if you are walking the streets of the city. The characters are well-developed, with their own motives and flaws.

The crime plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the twists and turns make it difficult to put the book down. Overall, it was a great introduction to Padura's work and to Spanish literature in general. I look forward to reading more of his novels in the future.

Mario Conde, a former policeman and aspiring writer, now works as a private detective on an island where there are neither detectives nor private investigators. He is on the hunt for the truth behind a murder that took place forty years ago at Hemingway's Cuban residence, the mythical Finca Vigia. There are Ava Gardner's underwear, friendship, rum, and nostalgia. The captivating writing of Padura Fuentes soars high between the first-person narrative of the decline of a great writer imprisoned by his own myth and the human story of Mario Conde, more than just a policeman-writer: a metaphor for our human condition. It is truly beautiful.

This story takes us on a journey through time and space, as Mario Conde delves deep into the past to solve the mystery. We are drawn into his world, filled with the rich culture and history of Cuba. The author's use of language is masterful, painting vivid pictures in our minds and making us feel as if we are right there with Mario.

The themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the search for truth are universal and resonate with readers on a deep level. We are left思考 about our own lives and the myths and legends that we create for ourselves. This book is not just a detective story; it is a profound exploration of the human psyche and our place in the world.

Wow, what a wonderful and sweet thing!

This simple expression of "wow" and the description of something as "wonderful and sweet" immediately catches our attention. It makes us curious to know what exactly this amazing thing is.

Maybe it could be a delicious dessert that just melted in our mouths, leaving a lingering taste of sweetness. Or perhaps it's a beautiful moment shared with a loved one, filled with warmth and happiness. It could also be a discovery of a new place or a new hobby that brings us joy and excitement.

Whatever it is, this phrase "wow, what a wonderful and sweet thing" evokes a sense of delight and appreciation. It reminds us to stop and notice the good things in life, no matter how small they may be. So, the next time you experience something wonderful and sweet, don't forget to say "wow" and cherish that moment.

Of the novels by Mario Conde, the one that I fell in love with the least, still it is always a pleasure to read Padura and his detective. However, this book does not make it to my favorites.

Padura's writing style is undoubtedly engaging, and his portrayal of the detective is often captivating. But in this particular novel, something seemed to be lacking for me.

The plot may have been a bit convoluted or perhaps the characters did not develop as deeply as I would have liked. Nevertheless, I still appreciate Padura's talent and the effort that went into creating this story.

Even though it didn't become one of my favorites, I will continue to read his works, hoping to find that special something that will truly make me fall in love with his writing all over again.

What do you do, then?

Let me know... I am currently certain of what I don't want to be.

This simple exchange holds a world of meaning. It reflects a moment of self-reflection and uncertainty.

The first question, "What do you do, then?" implies a search for an answer, a need to understand one's actions or decisions.

The response, "Let me know... I am currently certain of what I don't want to be," shows that the person is in a state of flux, perhaps trying to figure out their true identity or purpose.

It could be that they have had experiences that have led them to realize what they don't want in life, but they are still unsure of what they do want.

This dialogue could be the beginning of a journey of self-discovery, as the person attempts to define themselves and make choices that align with their true desires and values.

It serves as a reminder that we all have moments of uncertainty and that it is okay to not have all the answers right away.

Sometimes, the process of figuring out what we don't want can be just as important as determining what we do want.

By exploring our dislikes and aversions, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and move closer to living a more fulfilling life.

Roumi, Melancholy & a Unique Tribute to Ernest Hemingway.

The author Padoura manages to blend historical elements and mythology, beautifully and perfectly harmoniously, as only he knows how to do.

"Because there are things that cannot be lost. And if they are lost, then we have truly fucked up.

We have lost almost everything, yet we must save what we love."

This work by Padoura seems to be a profound exploration of the human condition. It delves into the themes of loss, love, and the importance of holding onto the things that matter. The mention of Hemingway adds an extra layer of significance, perhaps暗示着Padoura is drawing inspiration from the great writer's works and life. The use of vivid language and powerful imagery helps to bring the story to life and engage the reader on an emotional level. Overall, it appears to be a captivating and thought-provoking piece of literature that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

A murder mystery but so much more.

Set in contemporary Cuba, a detective named Mario Conde, who is also a writer, finds himself plunged into the investigation of a murder that occurred on the Hemingway estate near the end of the time Hemingway was on the island. As he delves deeper into the case, Mario Conde not only uncovers the secrets and motives behind the murder but also embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery.

In the process, he deconstructs and reconstructs his feelings about Hemingway. Hemingway, a literary giant, had a significant impact on Mario's life and writing. Through this investigation, Mario confronts his own admiration and idolization of Hemingway, questioning whether his hero was truly as he seemed.

The story weaves together elements of mystery, history, and personal reflection, creating a rich and engaging narrative that explores the complex relationship between a detective and a literary icon. As Mario Conde pieces together the clues and uncovers the truth, he also discovers a new understanding of himself and his place in the world.

The writing in this book has some lovely moments. However, it is my least favorite among the Havana detective Mario Conde books.

A storm causes old bones to surface on Hemingway's old Finca. Mario, now retired, dissolute, and depressed, yet having real friends he loves, is enlisted to solve the mystery. He points out that the police become bastards "when they should be making life difficult for the real bastards."

Hemingway, similar to Trump, seemed to lack compassion for anything - any life form, whether human, animal, wild, or domestic - except himself. It appears that he took pleasure in hurting his "friends" and killing, just for the sake of killing.

(Fundamentalist machismo + testosterone poisoning) x insatiable narcissism = death.

Personally, I have discovered that men who hide behind "machismo" are actually the most cowardly. Authentic courage does not require disguises. Apparently, in this case, William Faulkner concurs: Faulkner considered Hemingway "the least failed of modern American writers...the reason that he was the least failed was his greater artistic cowardice."

Perhaps this story seemed weak because I love Padura's Cuba - and in this one, she was too minor a character, overshadowed by the loud, obnoxious Norte Americano.

I really enjoyed this book. Before reading it, I didn't know much about Hemingway. But now, after finishing this wonderful piece of work, I find myself becoming quite curious about him.

Who was this great author? What kind of life experiences did he have that influenced his writing style? How did he manage to create such vivid and engaging stories?

I am eager to explore more about Hemingway's life and works. I want to understand his thoughts, his emotions, and the world he lived in. Maybe by delving deeper into his literature, I can gain a better appreciation for his genius and the impact he had on the literary world.

This book has truly opened my eyes to the fascinating world of Hemingway, and I can't wait to embark on this new journey of discovery.

This is an extremely good book.

It is well-written and a delight to read.

It leaves a wonderful taste, making you wonder whether what happened was real or fiction.

And in either of the two options, its reading has already been worthwhile.

This book has the power to engage the reader from the very beginning and keep them hooked until the end.

The author's writing style is captivating, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you are a fan of real-life stories or fictional tales, this book has something for everyone.

It is a must-read for anyone who loves good literature and wants to be transported to another world through the pages of a book.

So, don't miss out on this amazing book and give it a read today!

A good story, which, however, falls apart at the end. It starts off with great promise, captivating the reader's attention from the very beginning. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging. There are twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. But then, as the story approaches its conclusion, something goes wrong. The pacing becomes rushed, and the resolution feels forced. It's as if the author ran out of ideas or simply didn't know how to tie everything together in a satisfying way. Despite this flaw, the story still has its merits. The writing is excellent, and the initial setup is so strong that it makes the reader wish for a better ending. Overall, it's a story that could have been truly great if only the author had paid more attention to the conclusion.