Concrete Wings

One Man's Fifty Year Journey to Personal Freedom

By: Beverly Gandara

Narrated by: Jack Knight

Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

A naive teen sent out of Cuba to retrieve smuggled family jewels on the eve of the Bay of Pigs invasion comes of age in New York City at the height of the sexual revolution and earns his political and economic freedom. By a twist of fate, he begins to lose his liberty when his oppressive parents arrive and refuse to assimilate into American society. Take the journey and discover why success isn't always measured by what one becomes, but often by what one overcomes.

©2016 Beverly Gandara (P)2016 Beverly Gandara

Fiction, Biography or Historical Fiction?

The author states this book is based on the life of her beloved husband, but claims it is fiction. I think otherwise. The feelings and depth of emotion expressed are such that I think the book is close to 90% biography. This belief makes the reader identify much more with the protagonists and antagonists. Concerning the latter, Julian’s parents, while charming (sometimes) in their own way, are not my idea of wonderful parents, until the end when Julian’s father tells him (finally) that he is a good son and loves him
My interpretation of Concrete Wings is somewhat impacted by the “mission” to Cuba in which I participated in the 1990s. It was a horror. Nearly every building I saw was in a significant state of disrepair. If you don’t own it, you don’t fix it. If you are not rewarded by operating a business that benefits all, you don’t operate it. I still do not understand how a non-capitalistic society can function. (No death threats, please.) Batista’s Cuba was not a picnic, but benefits of private enterprise, such as those somewhat enjoyed by Julian’s dad, were at least possible. All these fruits were confiscated for the “revolution,” largely explaining Julian’s dad’s bitterness and character.
Yet, regardless of extreme sacrifice, Julian never wavered in his devotion to his controlling parents. He was the epitome of parental love and loyalty. His eventual relationship with Lynn, who learned to understand the family dynamics, is heartwarming, to say the least. His total adoration for Lynn and hers for him can only bring forth tears of joy. May all of us experience that kind of unconditional love. After all, isn’t that what life is about? What else is there?
While in print, I “read” Concrete wings as an audiobook, essentially all in my car. To a significant extent, I measure audiobooks by car adhesiveness. On several occasions, I was so enraptured by Concrete Wings I couldn’t get out of my car. On two occasions, I missed entire one-hour exercise classes for this reason.
I read for enjoyment, but also to learn. Kudos to Ms. Gandara, who provided a substantial dose of both.
Five stars.

Jack Knight

We love the book. And Mr. Knight has made it even more enjoyable.
Betsy Havens