Raining Backwards

Raining Backwards is satire to one of its higest extents. Following the life of Cuban immigrants, who long for their homeland, struggle with their Americanized children, and attempt to hold on to their culture while clashing with a narrow-minded Anglo society. This novel is--as cliched as it may sound--laugh-out-loud-funny, yet deals with issues that many people, especially Miami residents and those of Cuban descent, will recognize. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in the culture of Cuba and how it meshes into the culture of the United States.

Fernandez does an excellent job capturing the realities of Cuban life in Miami. He includes a magical realism in his work that keeps the reader glued to the page. This book is of importance not just in the realm of assimilation in America, but in terms of the socio-psychological impact that it has on all of us. I highly recommend this book to any immigrant or native citizen of this country. It provides us with a well-rounded view of the lives of multiple generations in Cuba.