My Havana : Memories of a Cuban Boyhood

by Rosemary Wells, with Sucundino Fernandez

In 2001 Wells heard a radio interview with Fernandez and felt his story grip her heart. As a young boy Sucundino lived in a Havana he thought was built by angels. He loved its vivid colors, strong columns and stone archways. He drew pictures of hits many windows and doors and surrounded himself with its warmth and sunshine. But Dino lived in a tumultuous time and also learned about the unpleasantness of Franco, Batista Che Guevara, and Castro. Eventually forcing his family to flee to America and the "black and gray" city of New York where Dino is intensely homesick. It is quite sometime before he begins drawing again, but when he does he creates a magnificent cardboard replica of his beloved city, filling the moments before with memories of Havana. The black-and-white sketches and full-color illustrations give additional substance to the work. The few photographs will help readers connect with true-life character

2 of 5 Stars