The book is a unique tapestry of Cuban history and culture, presented as a series of vignettes that blend fact with fiction, reality with surrealism. Through a mosaic of brief, often poetic narratives, the work captures the essence of life in the tropics, marked by the rise and fall of revolution, the ebb and flow of political tides, and the personal stories that define the human experience within this vibrant setting. The fragmented structure mirrors the tumultuous history of Cuba itself, offering glimpses into the island's colonial past, its struggle for independence, and the ongoing complexities of its social and political identity.

The 6951st greatest book of all time