I didn't think too highly about the book, but then after book discussion I loved it. It was well written on both the modern side and the historical side. But I think when I was reading (listening), I missed many things that were significant. But at book club we had someone who lived there fairly recently. Knowing more of the background and fear and knowing that Cuba is still currently in a state of fear, etc enhanced the book to help me understand more of the current side of the story. And of course, I love reading about other cultures, so that's always a bonus