Book Club Questions for The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

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Book club questions for The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton explore the captivating world of a luxury cruise turned treacherous journey.

In this gripping tale set in 1934, the lives of two women collide amidst a backdrop of secrets, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice. New York heiress Catherine Dohan finds her idyllic existence shattered as her past catches up to her on the SS Morro Castle.

With danger lurking at every turn, Catherine forms an unlikely alliance with a charming jewel thief to uncover the truth behind the threats on her life. Meanwhile, Elena Palacio, believed to be dead, embarks on the same voyage seeking vengeance and redemption. As their stories intertwine, these women must navigate a perilous voyage to uncover the identities of those who seek to harm them.

Get ready to dive deep into the pages of this New York Times bestselling novel with my comprehensive reading guide, filled with thought-provoking discussion questions that will enhance your book club experience and illuminate the themes explored in The Cuban Heiress.

The Synopsis

In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.

New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.

Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.

About the Author

Chanel Cleeton is a bestselling author known for her captivating novels, including Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, and The Last Train to Key West.

With her Cuban heritage serving as a powerful inspiration, Chanel’s stories transport readers to vivid settings and explore themes of love, resilience, and historical events. Born and raised in Florida, Chanel’s personal connection to her family’s journey from Cuba during the Cuban Revolution fuels her passion for politics and history.

She pursued her academic interests in England, earning degrees in International Relations and Global Politics. Additionally, Chanel holds a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Her diverse background and deep knowledge infuse her novels with depth and authenticity, making them beloved by readers worldwide.

Book Club Questions for The Cuban Heiress

I hope you and your book club will enjoy my discussion reading guide for The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton.✨

As you delved into the pages of The Cuban Heiress, which of the two heroines, Elena or Catherine, resonated with you on a deeper level? Take a closer look at their personalities and explore the similarities and differences you found. What traits or experiences drew you towards one character over the other?
Sacrifice plays a significant role throughout the novel, with many characters making selfless choices for the sake of others. Can you identify specific instances of sacrifice within the story? Did you agree with the characters’ decisions in those situations? How would you have handled those dilemmas if you were in their shoes?
Motherhood emerges as a prominent theme in Elena’s journey, influencing the decisions she makes along the way. Examine the role of motherhood in Elena’s life and the sacrifices she makes for her daughter. How does her love for Ava shape her actions and propel her forward in the face of adversity?
A burgeoning friendship blossoms between Elena and Julio during the course of the cruise. Analyze the experiences that bring them together and the commonalities they share. Is there potential for their friendship to evolve into something deeper? Speculate on the future of their relationship and the impact it may have on their individual journeys.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution in 1933. How do these historical events shape the characters, the setting, and the overall narrative? Reflect on the ways in which these tumultuous times influence the motivations, actions, and perspectives of the individuals aboard the Morro Castle.
Both Catherine and Harry embark on the journey as outsiders on the Morro Castle, each carrying their own hidden agendas. How do their paths intersect and how does their initial connection evolve throughout the cruise? Explore the dynamics of their relationship, the moments that bring them closer, and the underlying forces that bind them together amidst the danger swirling around them.
Catherine and Harry find themselves faced with life-altering decisions that involve seeking justice for those who have been wronged. Compare their situations and the dilemmas they confront. Do you agree with how they handle these pivotal choices? Reflect on their motivations, the risks involved, and the ethical complexities at play.
The traumas of the New York City fire and the harrowing experience aboard the Morro Castle deeply impact Elena and Catherine. Examine how they individually cope with the weight of their pasts and the recent events they have endured. In what ways do these traumatic incidents define their characters? How do they harness their experiences to propel themselves forward and pursue their respective goals?
Cruise ships provide a unique setting for The Cuban Heiress. Have you ever had the opportunity to embark on a cruise ship journey? Share your personal experiences and reflections on the cruise ship atmosphere. How do your own memories and encounters compare to the portrayal in the novel? Did the book evoke any nostalgic or relatable feelings?
Both Catherine and Elena are driven by a desire for justice and revenge. How does their pursuit of these goals shape their decisions and actions throughout the story? Discuss the challenges they face and the risks they are willing to take.
The SS Morro Castle serves as a backdrop for the unfolding events in the novel. How does the setting contribute to the atmosphere and tension of the story? Discuss the significance of the ship’s historical context and the impact it has on the characters’ lives.
Catherine’s identity is built on a lie, and she constantly fears being exposed. How does this theme of deception and hidden identity play out in the narrative? Explore the ways in which Catherine navigates her dual existence and the consequences of maintaining such a facade.
Elena is presumed dead and uses this to her advantage as she seeks revenge. How does her assumed identity shape her actions and interactions with other characters? Discuss the psychological toll it takes on Elena and its impact on her quest for justice.
The book intertwines romance with mystery and danger. How does the romantic subplot enhance the overall narrative? Explore the dynamics between Catherine and Harry, as well as Elena’s own emotional journey. How does love and connection influence their motivations and choices?
Prior to reading The Cuban Heiress, were you aware of the historical significance of the Morro Castle? Were you surprised by the details you learned about the ship while reading the book? Engage in a discussion about the real-life events surrounding the Morro Castle and its tragic fate. Speculate on the possible causes of the fire and the impact it had on the passengers, crew, and society as a whole.
The Morro Castle fire captivated global attention at the time, leaving a profound impact on both survivors and the world at large. Analyze how the fire shaped the characters’ lives in the novel. How did the event act as a catalyst for their personal growth, motivations, and relationships? Reflect on similar significant world events that have influenced your own life. Share memories and stories associated with these events and discuss the long-lasting effects they had on society.
The book draws inspiration from a real-life maritime disaster. How does the incorporation of historical events add depth and authenticity to the story? Discuss the significance of the SS Morro Castle incident and its relevance to the characters’ journeys.
Chanel Cleeton is known for her portrayal of strong women characters. How does she continue this trend in The Cuban Heiress? Analyze the complexities and strengths of Catherine and Elena as individuals and as they come together in unexpected ways.
The Cuban Heiress offers a glimpse into Cuban and Cuban-American history during a tumultuous time. How does the book portray the historical and cultural backdrop? Discuss the impact of the setting on the characters’ identities and experiences.
Reflecting on the ending of the novel, were you satisfied with the resolution of the story? Were there any loose ends or unanswered questions? Discuss your interpretation of the conclusion and its implications for the characters’ futures.

Selected Reviews for The Cuban Heiress

“Chanel Cleeton does it again with The Cuban Heiress. Using as backdrop the very real life history of the incendiary New York-Cuba voyage of the luxury cruise ship, the SS Morro Castle, Cleeton explores the explosive encounter between New York heiress Catherine Dohan and the young Cuban lady Elena Palacio. But neither woman is exactly who they pretend to be, and the journey threatens them both, as they risk their lives to pursue justice.”
—Marie Benedict

“This lively and twisty suspense novel from Chanel Cleeton pairs the glamour and desperation of women’s survival in the Great Depression, highlighted with a delicious Cuban American flair… Cleeton’s characters offer a beautiful pairing of tenderness and passion, anger and revenge, courage and resolution.”
—New York Journal of Books

“Cleeton adds intriguing secrets and strong character work to the dramatic plot. Historical fiction fans will be riveted.”
—Publishers Weekly

Additional Recommendations

Hope you enjoyed my book club discussion questions and reading guide for The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton!

Here are some more of my book club recommendations:

Our Last Days in Barcelona by Chanel Cleeton

When Isabel Perez travels to Barcelona to save her sister Beatriz, she discovers a shocking family secret in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s new novel.

Barcelona, 1964. Exiled from Cuba after the revolution, Isabel Perez has learned to guard her heart and protect her family at all costs. After Isabel’s sister Beatriz disappears in Barcelona, Isabel goes to Spain in search of her. Joining forces with an unlikely ally thrusts Isabel into her sister’s dangerous world of espionage, but it’s an unearthed piece of family history that transforms Isabel’s life.

Barcelona, 1936. Alicia Perez arrives in Barcelona after a difficult voyage from Cuba, her marriage in jeopardy and her young daughter Isabel in tow. Violence brews in Spain, the country on the brink of civil war, the rise of fascism threatening the world. When Cubans journey to Spain to join the International Brigades, Alicia’s past comes back to haunt her as she is unexpectedly reunited with the man who once held her heart.

Alicia and Isabel’s lives intertwine, and the past and present collide, as a mother and daughter are forced to choose between their family’s expectations and following their hearts.

The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

At the end of the nineteenth century, three revolutionary women fight for freedom in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s captivating new novel inspired by real-life events and the true story of a legendary Cuban woman—Evangelina Cisneros—who changed the course of history.

A feud rages in Gilded Age New York City between newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. When Grace Harrington lands a job at Hearst’s newspaper in 1896, she’s caught in a cutthroat world where one scoop can make or break your career, but it’s a story emerging from Cuba that changes her life.

Unjustly imprisoned in a notorious Havana women’s jail, eighteen-year-old Evangelina Cisneros dreams of a Cuba free from Spanish oppression. When Hearst learns of her plight and splashes her image on the front page of his paper, proclaiming her, “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba,” she becomes a rallying cry for American intervention in the battle for Cuban independence.

With the help of Marina Perez, a courier secretly working for the Cuban revolutionaries in Havana, Grace and Hearst’s staff attempt to free Evangelina. But when Cuban civilians are forced into reconcentration camps and the explosion of the USS Maine propels the United States and Spain toward war, the three women must risk everything in their fight for freedom.

The Titanic Sisters by Patricia Falvey

From the acclaimed author of The Girls of Ennismore comes a captivating and extraordinary tale of perseverance and bravery. This touching saga of sisterhood—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis and Marie Benedict—follows two young Irish women yearning for independence and adventure, as they set sail on RMS Titanic—the “ship of dreams”—only to be faced with the tragedy of that fabled maiden voyage…

Delia Sweeney has always been unlike her older sister–fair and delicate compared to tall, statuesque Nora, whose hair is as dark as Donegal turf. In other ways too, the sisters are leagues apart. Nora is her mother’s darling, favored at every turn, and expected to marry into wealth. Delia, constantly slighted, finds a measure of happiness helping her da on the farm. The rest of the time, she reads about far-off places that seem sure to remain a fantasy. Until the day a letter arrives from America . . .

A distant relative has provided the means for Delia and Nora to go to New York. Delia will be a lowly maid in a modest household, while Nora will be governess for a well-to-do family. In Queenstown, Cork, they board the Titanic, a majestic new ocean liner making its maiden voyage. Any hope Delia carried that she and her sister might become closer during the trip soon vanishes. For there are far greater perils to contend with as the ship makes its way across the Atlantic . . .

In the wake of that fateful journey, Delia makes an impulsive choice–and takes Nora’s place as governess. Her decision sparks an adventure that leads her from Fifth Avenue to Dallas, Texas, where oilfields bring unimagined riches to some, despair to others. Delia grows close to her vulnerable young charge, and to the girl’s father. But her deception will have repercussions impossible to foresee, even as it brings happiness within reach for the first time . . .

Thank you for reading my book club discussion questions and as always, happy reading! ❤️