Days of Awe: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

This book was a required read for my multi culture class in college. The author is from Cuba and she does an excellent job on describing the country and the dictatorship rule of Fidel Castro and his regime. I like historical fiction and she does a good job of defining the country and its rule and its people along with the diaspora feelings of the exiles; however, she takes advantage of her position as an author to throw in these vivid details of sex. Sex between men and women, sex between lesbians. All of the sexual details are too explicit, it is like she is going to make you look at these things. The scenes of the lesbian experience are over the top, and they are just like thrown in with no rhyme nor reason for inserting them. Her being a lesbian in her personal life is her business, but to insert these acts in a literary work is just taking advantage of the audience. In my opinion, since she is so engrossed in this lifestyle, she should write books that are full of this type of sex that would probably appeal to the lesbian audience, but she should label herself and the book as such so that those of us who do not approve or care for this lifestyle could be spared.In all fairness, when one can get past the sexualism, the book is well-written and lets the reader see the cruelty of communism and dictatorship, how evil Castro is and that the people that remain there are often leading empty lives. She does a good description of how they were on the streets, walking aimlessly, without purpose, no hope. Many of the rich years ago thought communism would be a good thing for the elite. Promises were made; however, once they got in power, the leaders took the shops from the owners and they lost their businesses. Many fled to Miami with nothing. There is so much hunger there. The helplessness and futility of the nation cries out in this book. Perhaps I should have given it a higher rating, but the sordid descriptions of lesbianism just keeps me from recommending the book. I am sure there are other accounts of Castro and the history of Cuba that could be read and one spared from the gross sexual details.

Me gustó mucho el libro. Es una historia sobre Cuba, sobre el judaísmo en Cuba y el exilio.La autora describe muy bien La Habana y su narración evoca en mí las emociones que sentí cuando visité esa ciudad. Tan hermosa y a la vez tan triste.

Great story

I followed Achy Obejas's early writing, but lost the thread and have only now picked it up. Some of this is so sharp, the Jewish theme of great interest, the meditations on the Revolution so painful, and the story of daughter and father worth the read.

This story tells the tale of a people that were desimated by the Roman Catholic Church in the name of a Spanish king and queen and its effects even today. The problem that occur when groups of people use religion to gain power. It is in my opinion, the worst form of mind control. An evil beyond measure.

I remember paying a decent amount for the book and receiving it in great condition. Hardback as stated in its description. Very little, if any, damage. Excited to read it. Would recommend anyone buying from this seller.

It was ok. Interesting to see Jews lives in Cuba. Main character not real defined.

By far one of the best novels one could ever read. Obejas is a genius and this is her masterpiece.