Review of The Painting
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Pooja Sharmaa
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Review of The Painting
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Painting" by Michael C Reid.]
"The Painting" by Michael C. Reid.
Carlos anxiously calls his brother Roberto to help move their elderly friend Julio, who, at 92, is leaving his five-bedroom house for a smaller apartment nearby. Julio, a retired doctor, is left with few possessions, including cherished paintings, due to Cuba's economic hardships. The brothers, assisted briefly by their friend Yasiel's car, resort to using an oxcart for the move. After successfully relocating Julio, they receive a painting by Carlos Sobrino as payment. Roberto, eager to see Carmen after two weeks, hoped Carmen had succeeded in contacting a friend with valuable pre-revolutionary paintings. Upon arriving at Carmen's decaying building in Habana Vieja, Roberto shared recent upheavals: a breakup, police searching his girlfriend’s home, and political rumors.
Carmen arranged a trip to Pinar del Rio to meet Arturo, who had a painting for sale. Despite finding the painting was by the Spanish Carlos Sobrino Buhigas, not the Cuban Sobrino, Roberto decided to buy Arturo's MG Roadster for $35,000 instead. Roberto arrives late to a family meal in Santos Suarez, Cuba, revealing plans to leave for America with Maura and several others. His mother, Rosa, worried but supportive, learns they will depart the next night on the Feast of the Epiphany. Roberto explains their preparations and reassures his brothers about their journey. They are determined to pursue freedom and opportunities in the U.S.
I found "The Painting" by Michael Reid to be an immersive and emotionally resonant novel that captivated me from the first page. The vivid portrayal of 1980s Havana and the intricacies of life under the Castro regime are deeply engaging. The characters, particularly the brothers Carlos and Roberto, are richly developed, offering a window into the struggles and resilience of ordinary Cubans. Their journey to help their elderly friend Julio move, despite the challenges posed by limited resources, is a testament to the power of community and loyalty. The novel's blend of historical context with personal narrative brings a sense of authenticity, making the struggles and triumphs of the characters feel palpably real.
The poignant moments of familial love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, like Roberto’s desire for a pair of American jeans, provide a touching contrast to the political backdrop. The inclusion of art, particularly the painting by Carlos Sobrino, adds an additional layer of cultural richness. Overall, "The Painting" is a beautifully written story that left me reflecting on the enduring human spirit amidst adversity. Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because I haven't found any dislikes in it. Also, the book's editing is prodigious and flawless.
This book is perfect for history enthusiasts, lovers of emotionally rich narratives, and those interested in Cuban culture. It's ideal for readers who appreciate deep character development and stories of resilience and community against challenging backdrops.
******
The Painting
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"The Painting" by Michael C. Reid.
Carlos anxiously calls his brother Roberto to help move their elderly friend Julio, who, at 92, is leaving his five-bedroom house for a smaller apartment nearby. Julio, a retired doctor, is left with few possessions, including cherished paintings, due to Cuba's economic hardships. The brothers, assisted briefly by their friend Yasiel's car, resort to using an oxcart for the move. After successfully relocating Julio, they receive a painting by Carlos Sobrino as payment. Roberto, eager to see Carmen after two weeks, hoped Carmen had succeeded in contacting a friend with valuable pre-revolutionary paintings. Upon arriving at Carmen's decaying building in Habana Vieja, Roberto shared recent upheavals: a breakup, police searching his girlfriend’s home, and political rumors.
Carmen arranged a trip to Pinar del Rio to meet Arturo, who had a painting for sale. Despite finding the painting was by the Spanish Carlos Sobrino Buhigas, not the Cuban Sobrino, Roberto decided to buy Arturo's MG Roadster for $35,000 instead. Roberto arrives late to a family meal in Santos Suarez, Cuba, revealing plans to leave for America with Maura and several others. His mother, Rosa, worried but supportive, learns they will depart the next night on the Feast of the Epiphany. Roberto explains their preparations and reassures his brothers about their journey. They are determined to pursue freedom and opportunities in the U.S.
I found "The Painting" by Michael Reid to be an immersive and emotionally resonant novel that captivated me from the first page. The vivid portrayal of 1980s Havana and the intricacies of life under the Castro regime are deeply engaging. The characters, particularly the brothers Carlos and Roberto, are richly developed, offering a window into the struggles and resilience of ordinary Cubans. Their journey to help their elderly friend Julio move, despite the challenges posed by limited resources, is a testament to the power of community and loyalty. The novel's blend of historical context with personal narrative brings a sense of authenticity, making the struggles and triumphs of the characters feel palpably real.
The poignant moments of familial love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, like Roberto’s desire for a pair of American jeans, provide a touching contrast to the political backdrop. The inclusion of art, particularly the painting by Carlos Sobrino, adds an additional layer of cultural richness. Overall, "The Painting" is a beautifully written story that left me reflecting on the enduring human spirit amidst adversity. Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because I haven't found any dislikes in it. Also, the book's editing is prodigious and flawless.
This book is perfect for history enthusiasts, lovers of emotionally rich narratives, and those interested in Cuban culture. It's ideal for readers who appreciate deep character development and stories of resilience and community against challenging backdrops.
******
The Painting
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: In Search of Achilles by Marco van den Berg Scholten
