In this fascinating and complicated new memoir, readers follow Ana Hebra Flaster as her family is evicted from their home in Havana for opposing communism. Disillusioned and in danger, they flee to the United States and suffer permanent losses within a horrifyingly short time period, causing trauma to her multigenerational family. In rebuilding their lives in New Hampshire and trying to keep their Cuban heritage alive, Hebra and her family must start anew in the United States. Combining Cuban and American history with family stories and the struggles of political refugees in rebuilding their lives, readers discover how Hebra and her family relied on the women in the family and how they reshaped their lives to be hopeful for their new futures. Brilliantly written, powerful, and emotional, readers will love the complex family and narrative threads in this novel and the incredible stories that members of this family share with each other to keep their culture and traditions alive. The characters are the star of this memoir, and Hebra’s understanding of her life at the time and the politics involved really pull readers into the story. Unique, complex, and deeply moving, readers will love this brilliant new memoir and its stories about a Cuban family’s migration to and new start in the US.

Ana Hebra Flaster's Property of the Revolution is a poignant and powerful memoir. This is an excellent book that masterfully weaves together several complex themes, creating a deeply moving and unforgettable reading experience.

At its heart, the book is a testament to the strength of family bonds. Flaster paints a vivid portrait of a close-knit family navigating the tumultuous landscape of political upheaval and cultural displacement. The narrative beautifully illustrates how these bonds are tested and ultimately strengthened by adversity, with a particular focus on the nuances of privacy within the family unit itself, as they navigate a world where trust is a precious commodity.

Flaster expertly captures the complexities of navigating different cultures. The family's journey from Cuba to the United States highlights the struggles and triumphs of adapting to a new environment while striving to maintain their cultural identity. The book provides valuable insight into the immigrant experience and the push and pull of assimilation.

Racism is another significant theme explored in the book. The author unflinchingly recounts the experiences of prejudice and discrimination faced by her family as they try to build a new life in the U.S. This exploration adds a crucial layer of depth and honesty to the narrative.

Moreover, I appreciate the insight that Property of the Revolution gives into the situation in Cuba during and after the revolution. It offers a personal perspective on the political climate, the societal changes, and the impact of these events on ordinary families. It illuminates the reasons behind their departure and the challenges they faced in leaving.

Property of the Revolution is a beautifully written and deeply movingmemoir. The author's prose is both evocative and insightful, drawing the reader into her family's world and making their experiences feel immediate and visceral. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in stories of resilience, family, the immigrant experience, and gaining a deeper understanding of Cuban history and its impact on individuals.

Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for an advanced copy of this novel. Ms. Flaster does a wonderful job of sharing her life as a Cuban immigrant. It is a poignant story of a multigenerational family who fled Communism and found a new life in America.

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.