Book Review: Christmas in April by Olivia Almagro

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I’m always looking for resources that help people connect with Cuba beyond grammar books and vocabulary lists.

Because learning a language isn’t just about learning words.

It’s about understanding the people who speak it.

Their history.

Their traditions.

Their humour.

Their struggles.

Their family.

Their identity.

And every now and then, I come across a book that reminds me exactly why stories matter.

Olivia Almagro’s Christmas in April is one of those books.

Get your copy of Christmas in April here*

A Story That Hooks You From The Very Beginning

From the opening pages, I was completely drawn in.

Without giving too much away, the story immediately transports you into the lives of a Cuban family trying to rebuild their lives while holding tightly onto the culture they’ve left behind.

It isn’t rushed.

It isn’t overdramatic.

It feels… real.

And that’s what kept me turning the pages.

Why This Book Felt Different

One of my favourite things about Christmas in April is that it doesn’t try to teach you Cuba through a history lesson.

Instead…

It lets you experience Cuba through people.

Through family dynamics.

Through traditions.

Through food.

Through language.

Through the everyday moments that make a culture feel alive.

As someone who’s reconnecting with my own Cuban heritage, I found that incredibly refreshing.

There were so many moments where I thought,

“This is exactly the kind of book I wish I’d had when I first discovered I was Cuban.”

A Beautiful Blend of English and Spanish

If you’re learning Spanish, don’t worry.

This isn’t one of those books where you’ll constantly be reaching for Google Translate.

Olivia does something I absolutely loved.

She naturally weaves Spanish and Spanglish into the dialogue while giving you enough context to understand what’s being said.

Even better…

She introduces Cuban cultural words and expressions in a way that feels effortless rather than educational.

You don’t feel like you’re studying.

You just absorb them naturally as the story unfolds.

And honestly…

That’s one of the best ways to learn.

Representation Matters

Another thing I really appreciated was seeing Black Cuban and Afro-Latino identity represented throughout the story.

Growing up, I didn’t see many stories that reflected the diversity within Cuba.

Books like this help paint a fuller picture of what Cuba really looks like.

And I think that’s incredibly important.

This Book Took Me On An Emotional Rollercoaster

I don’t often describe books this way…

But this one genuinely had me feeling everything.

There were moments that made me smile.

Moments that made me laugh.

Moments that made me pause and reflect.

And moments that genuinely broke my heart.

By the time I’d finished reading, I just sat there thinking about the characters for a while.

To me…

That’s always the sign of a good book.

A Tiny Critique

If I had one tiny criticism, it’s simply that I wanted more.

More time with the characters.

More conversations.

More moments.

That’s never a bad complaint to have.

If anything, it’s a compliment to Olivia’s writing.

My Thoughts

One of the things that stayed with me long after finishing the book was how beautifully it explored belonging.

It isn’t simply a story about moving from one place to another.

It’s about carrying Cuba with you.

About rebuilding your life while trying not to lose the parts of yourself that make you who you are.

I also loved how the story focused on ordinary family life rather than making politics the centre of every conversation. For me, that made the characters feel more authentic and relatable, and it highlighted something I think often gets overlooked: culture lives in everyday moments.

As someone who’s been reconnecting with my own Cuban heritage, I found myself reflecting on what gets passed down through generations and what can be lost if we don’t intentionally preserve it.

That’s what made this book resonate with me.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re learning Cuban Spanish…

Curious about Cuban culture…

Reconnecting with your own Cuban roots…

Or simply looking for a beautifully written coming-of-age story with heart…

I genuinely think you’ll enjoy Christmas in April.

It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

And for me, that’s the mark of a story worth recommending.

Get your copy of Christmas in April here*

*Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links in this review are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase the book through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Learn Cuban Spanish and for trusting my recommendations. Every purchase helps me continue creating free resources that celebrate Cuban language, culture and heritage.