Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. I enjoyed this story very much. The author was a child when her large extended family got out of Cuba in the 60s; they all ended up living together in New Hampshire. This book described both the appreciation the family had for their new country, the racism they sometimes faced, their pain and nostalgia at leaving their home and loved ones behind, and how the family members processed their trauma. I found this story, which moved back and forth in time, to be well constructed and enjoyed the book very much.

Property of the revolution was a book I really wanted to read. As the child and grandchild of Cuban immigrants that were staunchly anti-Castro it was honestly in a sense brave to admit that her family supported the revolution and after it passed realized that they were wrong in that support. As someone who grew up in Miami that wasn't always the case with all those who came, so I sincerely respect the author for being truthful in what her family's contribution to the revolution was.

That being said the book was done well. Intermingling with the growing up in America the author mixes what the viejos went through and saw as the revolution came into power. We saw the struggle of trying to be an American while also staying with and growing somewhat apart from your homelands culture/expectations. Overall, this book gave me questions to ask my family that I never thought to and the beautiful quote of stories being our heirlooms because of everything our viejos had to leave behind. Do I think this is a deep dive about the communist revolution of Cuba/ramifications of what it brought to an island that was once the teacup of gold in the Caribbean- no. Is this book subjective and doesn't cover every angle-100%, but does it give an insight on what it means to start new and try to remain part of your culture- 100% too.

My grandfather came from Cuba and he was super proud of his heritage. I wanted to read something that reminded me of him since he passed away years ago. This story of loss and love was very inspiring; having to leave the land you love is never easy and this book was poignant and relatable in many ways.

This book was wonderful. I enjoyed reading it very much. I hope many readers get the benefit of its insights.

Property of the Revolution is a powerful and heartfelt memoir that deeply touched me. The author shares her journey of moving from Cuba to the U.S. as a child, and her family’s story of initially supporting Castro’s revolution, only to be forced to leave the country they loved. As someone who also immigrated from a communist country, I found her stories, experiences of loss, identity, and starting over in a new place incredibly relatable. The book is honest, emotional, and beautifully written—a must-read for anyone interested in personal stories of history and change.