When We Left Cuba

Beatriz’s character arc in the novel is shaped by her sense of exile and the longing to return to the land, and the life, that is lost to her. Other characters echo and reflect on this theme in their own ways.

The violence and loss that attended the Perez’s family’s exodus from Cuba contributes to Beatriz’s sense of displacement and discomfort in Palm Beach. Not only did the death of her twin brother leave Beatriz feeling that she lost part of herself, but also her efforts to gain her father’s release from jail left her feeling that, even in the US, she will never be completely innocent or safe. Though her mother tries to recreate the luxurious life the Perezes led in Cuba, Beatriz feels disconnected from their social circle in Florida. Her sister Elisa has happily married and her younger sister Maria appears to be fitting in, but Beatriz senses accusation and judgment from those around her. Her exposure to violence has given her a hard edge that makes Beatriz feel she can never fit in with American women, though notably, her confrontation with Nick’s fiancée shows that Katherine has a flinty edge as well.

Confronting Castro in New York is a shock to Beatriz not only because of the way she has built him up in her mind as an adversary and threat, but also because she considers the US her refuge, and Castro has figuratively invaded this place, too.