EasterBlack-owned or founded brands at TargetGroceryClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesBabyHomeFurnitureKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenToysElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksSports & OutdoorsBeautyPersonal CareHealthPetsHousehold EssentialsArts, Crafts & SewingSchool & Office SuppliesParty SuppliesLuggageGift IdeasGift CardsClearanceTarget New ArrivalsTarget Finds#TargetStyleTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores

The Optimistic Cuban - by José Sotolongo (Paperback)

The Optimistic Cuban - by  José Sotolongo (Paperback) - 1 of 1
$19.99 when purchased online
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Highlights

  • In a city torn by revolution, his heart is caught between love, loyalty, and the price of freedom.
  • About the Author: José Sotolongo was born in Cuba.
  • 300 Pages
  • Fiction + Literature Genres, Political

Description



About the Book



In a city torn by revolution, his heart is caught between love, loyalty, and the price of freedom.

In 1959 Havana, middle-class student activist Fernando fights against the corrupt, U.S.-backed Batista regime. Initially elated by the success of Castro's Communist Revolution, Fernando's excitement soon fades as he grapples with the harsh realities of the new government's oppression.

Meanwhile, his beloved Julia and best friend Gustavo, who come from impoverished Black families, are hopeful that the Revolution will bring long-awaited social change. This difference in political beliefs creates friction, but Fernando's feelings for Julia remain strong. When faced with challenges to his personal life and values, Fernando must navigate a world of divided loyalties, harsh political realities, and deep social divides.

As tensions mount, Fernando finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his homeland and a future elsewhere. Ultimately, he faces a choice that will test his beliefs, his loyalties, and the depth of his love.



Book Synopsis



In a city torn by revolution, his heart is caught between love, loyalty, and the price of freedom.

In 1959 Havana, middle-class student activist Fernando fights against the corrupt, U.S.-backed Batista regime. Initially elated by the success of Castro's Communist Revolution, Fernando's excitement soon fades as he grapples with the harsh realities of the new government's oppression.

Meanwhile, his beloved Julia and best friend Gustavo, who come from impoverished Black families, are hopeful that the Revolution will bring long-awaited social change. This difference in political beliefs creates friction, but Fernando's feelings for Julia remain strong. When faced with challenges to his personal life and values, Fernando must navigate a world of divided loyalties, harsh political realities, and deep social divides.

As tensions mount, Fernando finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his homeland and a future elsewhere. Ultimately, he faces a choice that will test his beliefs, his loyalties, and the depth of his love.



Review Quotes




Sotolongo turns the tragic story of Cuba's struggle--and inability--to find democracy into a family tale that encapsulates the horror and pain of dictatorships, whether they are from the right or from the left. Focusing on the Leal family, he brings in characters from all socio-economic levels to show how the personal is inextricably bound to the political. This is an enlightening and engaging read not only for those from the Cuban diaspora but for anyone interested in international events. --Cecilia Fernandez, author of Grieving for Guavas: Stories and Leaving Little Havana, a Memoir of Miami's Cuban Ghetto

Through a set of complex lives, The Optimistic Cuban offers a refreshingly layered perspective of the Cuban Revolution and its immediate aftermath. Sotolongo's vivid prose carries you back to a defining moment in the island's history, challenging preconceived notions and illuminating the struggles and shared humanity of its characters. A must-read, engrossing novel that will stay with you like a moving memory.--Dariel Suarez, author of The Playwright's House



About the Author



José Sotolongo was born in Cuba. His work has been featured in various literary journals, including Atticus Review, Border Crossings, The Southampton Review, Third Coast, and Miracle Monocle. His fiction has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net. A second novel, Knowing Grace, is set for release in 2025 by Evolved Press. He lives with his husband in the Catskills of New York.
Dimensions (Overall): 9.0 Inches (H) x 6.0 Inches (W)
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 300
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Political
Publisher: Histria Fiction
Format: Paperback
Author: José Sotolongo
Language: English
Street Date: October 7, 2025
TCIN: 1006443246
UPC: 9781592116065
Item Number (DPCI): 247-35-9989
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1 inches length x 6 inches width x 9 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Related Categories

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy

Footer

About Us

About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

Help

Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member ServicesLegal & Privacy

Stores

Find a StoreClinicPharmacyTarget OpticalMore In-Store Services

Services

Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacy PolicyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy