Picture a Cuban-American storyteller who weaves tales of love, exile, and revolution with the vibrant pulse of Havana—meet Chanel Cleeton! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Cleeton has captivated readers with her richly researched historical fiction, most notably her Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, Next Year in Havana. Her stories blend heartfelt romance with the complexities of Cuban heritage, inviting readers into a world where history and emotion collide.
Born and raised in Florida, Cleeton grew up steeped in her family’s stories of fleeing Cuba after the 1959 revolution. These tales of sacrifice and resilience sparked her passion for storytelling, making her novels a love letter to her roots and a bridge for readers to explore Cuban-American identity.
The Making of Chanel Cleeton
Chanel Cleeton’s journey to authorship was as global as her stories. Raised in Florida, she was shaped by her family’s Cuban exodus narratives, particularly a poignant tale of her relatives burying valuables in their backyard before fleeing Havana. Her academic path took her to England, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London, and a master’s in Global Politics from the London School of Economics. She later completed a Juris Doctor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Though poised for a legal career, Cleeton’s heart lay in writing, a passion she pursued after early rejections fueled her determination to craft stories that mattered.
Chanel Cleeton’s Unforgettable Stories
Cleeton’s novels are a vibrant tapestry of historical fiction, romance, and cultural exploration, with Cuba as their beating heart. Her breakout novel, Next Year in Havana (2018), intertwines the lives of a 1950s sugar heiress and her modern-day granddaughter, exploring love and loss amid the Cuban Revolution. A Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, it’s praised for its lush prose and vivid depiction of Havana’s faded grandeur.
She continued the Perez family saga with When We Left Cuba (2019), following Beatriz Perez, a fiery exile turned spy in 1960s Florida, navigating the Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba (2021) draws on the true story of Evangelina Cisneros, a revolutionary imprisoned in 1890s Havana, blending real history with fictional heroines. The Cuban Heiress (2023) shifts to the 1930s, weaving a tale of revenge and secrets aboard the Morro Castle. Cleeton’s meticulous research and dual-timeline narratives create immersive worlds where personal and political stakes intertwine, earning her a devoted readership.
Why Chanel Cleeton Matters
Chanel Cleeton’s work transcends entertainment, offering a window into the Cuban-American experience and the enduring impact of exile. Her novels illuminate lesser-known facets of Cuban history, from the revolution’s upheaval to the diaspora’s resilience, resonating with readers seeking stories of identity and belonging. By honoring her family’s legacy and amplifying Cuban voices, Cleeton has carved a unique space in historical fiction, inspiring readers to reflect on heritage and courage. Her ability to blend romance, history, and cultural insight ensures her stories linger long after the final page.
- Born: Florida, USA
- Key Works: Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, The Cuban Heiress
- Notable Recognition: Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick for Next Year in Havana
Ready to lose yourself in a world of revolution, romance, and Cuban charm? Snag Next Year in Havana and dive into Chanel Cleeton’s unforgettable storytelling!