What are the characteristics of the best Cuban short stories?

Cuban children's stories often feature elements of Cuban nature. For example, stories may be set in the beautiful Cuban landscapes, with beaches, palm trees, and tropical animals. This helps children connect with their local environment.

Another great one is 'The Youngest Doll' by Rosario Ferré. This story delves into themes of family, femininity, and the passage of time in a very unique Cuban context. It uses elements like the titular doll to weave a complex and engaging narrative. It shows how Cuban society views women and how they navigate through different situations within the family structure.

Struggle is also a common theme. This can be the struggle against poverty, political situations, or the struggle to preserve one's culture. In Cuban short stories, characters are often shown facing various difficulties and trying to overcome them, which reflects the real - life challenges that Cubans have faced over time.

Cuban fiction often reflects the country's rich and complex history. It may deal with themes such as the revolution, colonialism, and the struggle for independence. For example, many books explore how the Cuban people coped with and were shaped by these historical events.

Cuban science fiction often has a strong sense of social commentary. It uses futuristic or otherworldly settings to discuss current Cuban social issues.

Cuban fiction books often have a strong sense of place. They vividly depict the Cuban landscape, from the bustling streets of Havana to the rural areas. For example, in many works, you can feel the heat, smell the sea, and hear the local dialects.

They probably have engaging plots. Since they are short stories, they need to grab the reader's attention quickly. So, there could be unexpected twists and turns, like in a mystery - themed story where the solution is not what you initially expect. In addition, the use of vivid language is common. With limited space, the authors need to create a vivid world. They might use unique descriptions of settings and characters to make them come alive in the reader's mind. This helps to make the short story memorable despite its brevity.

The short stories in 'best 2019 short stories' may also be known for their ability to evoke strong emotions in a limited number of words. They can make you feel joy, sadness, or surprise in just a few pages. Take a story about a child's first encounter with loss. It can be so poignant that it stays with you long after you've finished reading, even though it's a short piece.

The best short short stories usually have a tight plot. Take 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' for instance. The events are carefully crafted to build suspense and surprise. They also tend to have well - drawn characters despite their brevity. In 'Hills Like White Elephants', the two main characters' personalities and relationship are subtly revealed through their dialogue. Moreover, they can often make a big impact with just a few words, like 'The Lady, or the Tiger?' which leaves you pondering long after reading.

The black protagonist in a Cuban novel could be highly connected to the Afro - Cuban culture. They might have a deep understanding and practice of traditions such as Santería. This connection to their cultural roots could be a defining characteristic, influencing their actions and decisions throughout the story. For example, they may turn to their religious beliefs for guidance during difficult times in the plot.