A Little Piece of Cuba: AJourney to Become Cubana-Americana

 

In her upcoming memoir, A Little Piece of Cuba: A Journey to Become Cubana-Americana (She Writes Press, Dec. 2025), author Barbara Caver explores how a five-day trip to her mother’s birthplace of Cuba reshaped her understanding of family, identity, and what “home” truly means.

Raised in South Carolina, Barbara knew Cuban culture only through the stories, foods, and traditions passed down by her grandmother Carmelina. But when she finally traveled to Havana as an adult, she was stunned by how much felt familiar — the scent of the food, the sound of the city, even the tiles on the walls echoing her own childhood home. The trip became an emotional homecoming that allowed her to see her family’s past with clarity and compassion, and to understand how cultural memory is carried forward across generations.

This good read shows us how returning to our ancestral roots can change how we see our homes, our parents, and ourselves by helping us understand where we truly come from and why our families are the way they are. When we learn about our ancestors, traditions, and cultural history, our home becomes more than just a place we live—it becomes part of a bigger story. This deeper understanding can also bring new respect and compassion for our parents as we see the challenges, values, and sacrifices passed down through generations. Most importantly, reconnecting with our roots helps us better understand our own identity, giving us a stronger sense of belonging, purpose, and pride. By embracing our ancestral heritage, we can heal family connections, appreciate our upbringing, and see ourselves with greater clarity and confidence.

Barbara writes with warmth, sensory detail, and a deep appreciation for the domestic traditions that kept her heritage alive long before she set foot in Cuba. Her lens is both intimate and universal which is perfect for readers who value storytelling that helps them reflect on their own histories and the meaning of “home.”