Havana: A Subtropical Delirium

Like all great cities, Havana has a rich history that informs the vibrant place it is today, and in this insider’s view of Havana, award-winning author Mark Kurlansky presents the city he has come to know over more than 30 years. Paying homage to all her shabby elegance and surprises, Kurlansky looks at the extremes of the city, a beautifully restored colonial city whose cobblestone streets have not been painted or repaired since the revolution. Part cultural history, part travelogue, the book is essentially a love letter to one of the world’s most elusive cities and is richly detailed with recipes, historic engravings, photos, and the author’s own drawings, as he celebrates the city’s music, literature, sport, food, its beautiful yet neglected architecture, and its wonderful blend of cultures. Bloomsbury, RRP: $36.00