Dreaming in Cuban - Novel Structure

Novel Structure

Dreaming in Cuban is divided into three books. Each book consists of several chapters of narration and one or more chapters of letters written by Celia. The letters all were written prior to the timeline of the rest of the novel. Within each chapter, different sections may center on different characters. These are indicated by the appearance of the character’s name along with the year prior to the section. The narration of the novel generally moves forward in time, but this is complicated by the frequent appearance of past memories and the fact that the novel jumps back and forth between different locations and characters.

The novel is also written through several different styles of narration. The majority of the novel is told through a third-person omniscient narrator. This style of narration is used for sections of the novel centering on the older generations—Celia, Lourdes, and Felicia—as well as Ivanito’s first section. First-person narration also appears, usually in connection with the youngest generation of the del Pino family. Pilar is the most frequent first-person narrator, but Ivanito and Luz (Felicia’s children) also narrate sections in the first person. Additionally, Herminia, Felicia’s best friend, narrates a section telling the story of Felicia’s final days. Celia’s first-person voice is also heard through the appearance of her letters. These help to fill in gaps in the family’s history, as well.