Book Review: The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes

The first book I picked up after a long hiatus of not reading is The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton. From the start, it pulled me in with its layered storytelling, strong female characters, and a mystery that kept me turning pages right up until the very end.

Basically, the story follows three women in different timelines:

In 1900, Eva Fuentes is a Cuban schoolteacher with literary aspirations, and is offered a chance to study at Harvard. There, a life-altering encounter shapes the book she writes. This work will outlive her and bind generations.

In 1966 Havana, librarian Pilar Castillo hides and protects this same book during political trouble following Fidel Castro’s rise, valuing it not just as literature but as a lifeline in a time of censorship and repression.

Finally, in 2024 London, a rare-object specialist Margo Reynolds is hired to track down the last remaining copy, only to discover that multiple parties will go to extreme lengths to possess it.

Although the novel is fictional, the historical backdrop of Cuba during times of turmoil feels incredibly real. Reading about censorship, fear, and survival makes me reflect on what life must have been like during those difficult times. Imagine the emotional toll of living in a place where ideas and voices were at risk of being erased and how powerful it was to protect them anyway. We think censorship is over in 2026, but it still happens around the world.

Something else that really stuck with me was how much this book made me appreciate books themselves. The people that had books to hide, Pilar hiding those books and the people along the way that were willing to find the past behind each book, very inspiring. Books carry history, passion, and the lives of people who came before us. In this novel, protecting a book feels just as important as protecting a person, and that idea stayed with me long after I finished reading.

There’s also a strong mystery element woven throughout the story, which I loved. The search for the lost book keeps the momentum going, and every timeline adds another layer to the puzzle. I honestly didn’t want to put it down because I needed to know how everything connected. And who dun it.

Overall, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is a meaningful, engaging read with great characters, emotional depth, and a plot that keeps you hooked. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery this one is definitely worth picking up.

Giving it a 3.5 out of 5!