The Last Train to Key West

I was pulled into the stories of these characters from the beginning. Narrated by 3 women from different circumstances whose paths cross in the Florida Keys just before the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, this was an engaging historical setting. Mirta is on her honeymoon, having married a virtual stranger in Cuba and traveling to her new home in New York. Elizabeth is a New York socialite trying to help her remaining family survive, but needs to find someone she thinks may be staying in the work camps in the Keys. Helen is a Key West local waiting tables, going home each night wondering what mood she will find her husband in. Each woman has an entirely different story to tell, and their voices are clear and distinct. Though they have an endless number of differences between them, they have many threads in common as they each go about their business in the days leading up to the storm. Their stories weave together brilliantly. I had sorted out a few of the more surprising connections prior to their big reveals, but I was still caught up in the drama in the face of the storm and recovery. Speaking of the storm, I wasnt altogether familiar with this specific hurricane prior to reading the book, but the details described by the characters made it clear that this was a unique storm approaching. During and after, the descriptions were almost visceral, with the desolation evident throughout the area. I loved all three women for their courage and grit, as well as the people who helped each on their way. I wasnt sure I liked Anthony (Mirtas new husband) at the beginning, but it was mostly the reputation that preceded him that caused me caution. Elizabeths helper had his own air of mystery about him, and Helens helper had a softness that belied his experiences. The character growth over the course of this short time period is yet another reason I loved this book. I think of the three recent books from the author set in Cuba & South Florida this is the strongest. (And thats saying a lot because I loved the other two as well.) The lessons each woman takes away from the storm drastically change the directions of their lives. I loved every moment of this book and found myself thinking about talking about it even after I was finished. The storms, both literal and figurative, developing in this story made for great background tension as Mirta, Elizabeth, and Helen navigated the unknowns in their lives.

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton is a very slight, and very trite book that I don\’t recommend. It can\’t compare to the very special and really well written 2 earlier books; When We Left Cuba and also Next Year in Havana. Those two books were both well written, with interesting characters, and situations unlike this book which was very contrived and boring. this was basically a book that could be skimmed in a very short period of time, as there\’s no substance to it. I was really looking forward to this latest Chanel Cleeton, which I assumed would be on a par in terms of writing with those 2 earlier books.

I can only assume that the 5 star ratings are from family, friends, and/or people who get paid to write them. This book is thinly plotted; its characters\’ depths implied but not apparent. Hurricane borrowed from history just to give an illusion of action and to provide some structure. I suppose author having done some \”research\” is intended to suggest gravitas. Reading level for young teens but I don\’t recommend it. There are so much better books out there to read. For some reason, I finished this one, so I give it two stars rather than one.

What an amazing story. The author found masterful ways to bring the lives of the main characters together. I was engaged throughout the entire book and the had surprises unfolding up until the very end. I also really appreciate how she uses historical events as the backdrop of her stories. This was a very enjoyable read!

I dont know why I dont read more historical fiction but when I finish a book like this one I feel that first love feeling all over again. The story about 3 women living through hurricane season, one a newlywed on her honeymoon, another running away, and another having a baby all just trying to survive a horrible storm and what life throws at them. I will say at the end it felt pieces together but it didnt feel like it got there naturally. Its not my favorite by Cleeton but its still so good!

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