- The Buena Vista Social Club (1999) – Directed by Wim Wenders, this acclaimed documentary follows legendary Cuban musicians as they gather in Havana to record an album, showcasing the and rich music culture of Cuba.
- Havana (1990) – Starring Robert Redford and Lena Olin, this romantic drama is set in 1950s Havana during the Cuban Revolution. The story revolves around an American gambler who gets caught up in the political turmoil while falling in love with a Cuban woman.
- Our Man in Havana (1959) – Based on the novel by Graham Greene, this black comedy is set in pre-revolutionary Cuba. It follows a vacuum cleaner salesman who is recruited by English intelligence to become their man in Havana, leading to a series of hilarious and intricate situations.
- Fresa y Chocolate (1993) – Also known as “Strawberry and Chocolate,” this Cuban-Spanish drama explores themes of homosexuality and political oppression. Set in Havana in the early 1990s, it tells the story of a young gay artist and his friendship with a staunch communist student.
- Guantanamera (1995) – Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabío, this satirical comedy is set in contemporary Cuba. It follows the journey of a woman’s body from Havana to her provincial hometown for burial, providing a humorous commentary on bureaucracy and Cuban society.
- “Our Man in Havana” by Graham Greene: This satirical spy novel takes place in 1950s Havana and follows the story of an English vacuum cleaner salesman who becomes entangled in the world of espionage.
- “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway: Though not entirely set in Cuba, this novel prominently features the story of an old fisherman from the island who embarks on a fateful fishing expedition in the Gulf Stream.
- “Dreaming in Cuban” by Cristina García: This multi-generational tale explores the lives of a Cuban-American family, touching on themes of identity, love, and the impact of political turmoil in
- Here are five famous novels that are set in Cuba:
- “Our Man in Havana” by Graham Greene: This satirical novel is set in 1950s Cuba just before the revolution. It tells the story of an English spy who gets caught up in a web of intrigue and espionage.
- “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway: Although not exclusively set in Cuba, this iconic novel centres around a Cuban fisherman battling against a giant marlin. It eloquently captures the spirit and culture of the Cuban people.
- “Dreaming in Cuban” by Cristina Garcia: This novel follows the lives of three generations of women as they navigate political and personal challenges in Cuba. It offers a poignant portrayal of their experiences and the impact of the revolution.
- “Before Night Falls” by Reinaldo Arenas: Based on the author’s own life, this autobiographical novel depicts the struggles of a gay writer in Cuba. It offers insight into the persecution of artists under the Castro regime.
- “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love” by Oscar Hijuelos: Set in Havana during the 1940s and 1950s, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the lives of two Cuban musician brothers as they try to make it big in the New York music scene. It beautifully captures the music and culture of the time.
WANDERLIST: Cuba in books and on film
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