Genres: Coming of Age, Historical
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Concrete Wings: One Man’s Fifty Year Journey to Personal Freedom by Beverly Gandara
Synopsis:
A naïve teen sent out of Cuba to retrieve smuggled family jewels on the eve of the Bay of Pigs invasion comes of age in New York City at the height of the sexual revolution and earns his political and economic freedom. By a twist of fate, he begins to lose his liberty when his oppressive parents arrive and refuse to assimilate into American Society.
Take the journey and discover why success isn’t always measured by what one becomes, but often by what one overcomes.
Concrete Wings: One Man’s Fifty Year Journey to Personal Freedom by Beverly Gandara is a story about one man’s journey to inner freedom. On the eve of the historical event called the Bay of Pigs invasion, a young teenage boy, Julian Vida, a Cuban immigrant, is sent out to save smuggled family jewels. He narrowly escapes being drafted into Fidel Castro’s army. He must go to America and prepare a place for his family. A coming of age story, this is a narrative that explores the sexual and political revolution in the USA. As Julian adjusts, he is free and enjoying life until the arrival of his parents, who can’t blend in with the American way of life. This story follows Julian’s life struggles and victories.
Concrete Wings, is a historical novel filled with intrigue and interest. The author Beverly Gandara has put a lot of research into her wonderful novel. I was very impressed by the historical detail and accuracy, as the reader is carried into the Cuban culture and worldview. This is a beautiful story and one that shouldn’t be missed. It starts out as Julian is a five year old boy in Cuba with his father and mother. The story goes on from there as author Beverly Gandara paints a beautiful tapestry of the Cuban culture. She weaves together a vivid portrait of what life was like back then for the Cubans. There are a lot of psychological issues and implications for our protagonist, Julian Vida. As he must learn to survive and overcome many things. His success is in what he overcomes in life. Many readers will relate to that point.
Concrete Wings: One Man’s Fifty Year Journey to Personal Freedom is an engaging beautifully written story by an excellent writer, Beverly Gandara. This is a must read novel. I couldn’t put it down and read it late into the night. The historical references and commentary will keep readers interested and turning the pages quickly. I fell in love with the characters as they are well developed with great personalities and very interesting characteristics. The descriptive writing gave me a beautiful picture of the setting and surroundings. This is a very well composed and unique story written with an original voice.
Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends it to all avid readers.
Purchase: Concrete Wings by Beverly Gandara @Amazon
