Okay, let's get real about this Pulitzer-winning Cuba book. First off - yes, it's brilliant. The way Ferrer connects US-Cuba history through cigar factories in Tampa and those delicious Cuban sandwiches? Mind-blowing details I never knew!

BUT... (and this is a big but) the author totally whitewashes Castro's regime. Like hello? Where's the mention of the thousands executed or the racism in Che's diaries? It's wild how she paints them as revolutionary heroes while ignoring the dark stuff.

The writing though? *chef's kiss* Super engaging for a history book. I binged it like a Netflix series. Learned that Havana was basically the NYC of the Caribbean back in the day - who knew?

Pro tip: Read this with your critical thinking cap on. It's eye-opening about US interference (we've been messy neighbors), but definitely has some blind spots when it comes to Cuba's own problematic history.

Final verdict: 4/5 stars - loses one star for the Castro fanfiction moments, but otherwise one of the most readable history books I've picked up in years.