When We Left Cuba(101)

The period of time surrounding the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Kennedy Assassination was fraught with tension between Cuba and the United States and was a heyday of sorts for the spy game. Cuba’s intelligence service was and continues to be a formidable force, and Castro was known for embedding double agents in the Cuban exile community and for being well-informed due to his intricate network of spies. The United States was equally fervent in their efforts, and of course, the specter of the Soviet Union added to the importance of intelligence gathering. Many of the incidents in the novel—including that of the Soviet colonel in London—were inspired by real efforts made by both governments, and often the details read like something out of a spy novel, proving that truth is often stranger than fiction. Castro’s concerns that his regime would be targeted in retaliation for Kennedy’s assassination were also genuine, as were the many theories that have sprung up surrounding the motivations behind the assassination including the involvement of groups on both sides of the Cuba issue.

Originally, I intended for the espionage to be in the background of When We Left Cuba, but of course, Beatriz wouldn’t allow it, and when she saw the events unfolding around her, she demanded a seat at the table, and I couldn’t shut her out of the game.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


One of the most amazing parts of this publishing journey has been the wonderful people I’ve met along the way who have made my books possible. I am so grateful to my agent, Kevan Lyon, and editor, Kate Seaver, for their support, wisdom, and enthusiasm for my work. It is such a pleasure to work with both of you, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to guide me and my career.

I am forever thankful my books found a home at Berkley. Thank you to Madeline McIntosh, Ivan Held, Christine Ball, Claire Zion, Jeanne-Marie Hudson, Craig Burke, Tawanna Sullivan, Fareeda Bullert, Roxanne Jones, Ryanne Probst, and Sarah Blumenstock, as well as the subrights department and the Berkley art department, for all of their extraordinary efforts on my behalf.

Thanks to the amazing authors who read Next Year in Havana and offered their kind words and support for the book: David Ebershoff, Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Shelley Noble, Jennifer Robson, Renée Rosen, Heather Webb, Stephanie Thornton, Weina Dai Randel, Alix Rickloff, Alyssa Palombo, Meghan Masterson, and Jenni L. Walsh. Thank you to my lovely friends A. J. Pine, Lia Riley, and Jennifer Blackwood.

I am so grateful to the booksellers, bloggers, librarians, readers, and reviewers who have embarked on this new adventure with me. I’ve loved hearing from all of you and am so glad the Perez family has found a place in your hearts.

The Perez family came to life thanks to the stories passed down to me by my family and the inspiration of their love for their homeland. Thank you for sharing these pieces of Cuba with me and for your strength and courage.

To my family—thanks for your love and encouragement, for the inspiration you give me on a daily basis. You’re the heart of every book I write.