49 pages • 1 hour read
In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd
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Book Brief
244
Novel • Fiction
Miami, Florida • 1990s
2001
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd by Ana Menéndez is a collection of eleven linked short stories that follow the experiences of Cuban immigrants and their American-born children in Miami, exploring themes of truth, memory, storytelling, and the emotional toll of dislocation, loss, and nostalgia. Some stories involve characters who have experienced the loss of a child.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
1,127 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ana Menéndez’s In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd is a moving exploration of the Cuban-American experience, capturing themes of displacement and identity with poignant prose. Praised for its emotional depth and vivid character portrayals, some critics find its pacing uneven. Overall, it offers a richly textured narrative that resonates deeply.
Who Should Read In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd?
Readers who appreciate The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz or Drown by Díaz will enjoy In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd by Ana Menéndez. The book targets those interested in immigrant experiences, intergenerational narratives, and evocative storytelling rich in cultural and emotional complexity.
1,127 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joaquin
Joaquin
Though never appearing directly, Joaquin is a charismatic and complex character remembered for his involvement in revolutionary activities, which brought together a diverse group of people.
Ernesto
Ernesto
Narrator of “The Party,” Ernesto is a former friend of Joaquin who attends a gathering, reflecting on the deceptive nature of memories and the search for truth and reconciliation.
Lisette
Lisette
A journalist and daughter of Cuban immigrants, Lisette seeks to understand her identity and past by traveling to Cuba, revealing the complexity of balancing family history and personal truth.
The Old Uncle in Havana
The Old Uncle in Havana
An allegorical figure symbolizing Fidel Castro, representing the Cuban immigrants' complicated feelings toward their home country, depicted through stories told by a Miami-based family.
244
Novel • Fiction
Miami, Florida • 1990s
2001
Adult
16-18 years
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