I Was Never the First Lady

Set against the backdrop of the Cuban Revolution, this engaging story follows Nadia Guerra, who, after her mother leaves when she’s ten, grapples with the unfulfilled promises of life in Havana. As an adult, she rebels through a clandestine radio show and finds hope in a scholarship to Russia, prompting a quest to uncover the truth about her family and her long-lost mother. Along her journey, Nadia's fate becomes intertwined with Celia Sanchez, a legendary figure in the revolution, ultimately revealing profound secrets that challenge her understanding of her past. Translated from Spanish by Achy Obejas, this tale explores themes of love, identity, and the impact of history.