At a time of controversy over immigration laws and immigration reform, Finding Manana takes us back to another time when immigration was at the forefront of many Americans minds - and reminds us of what we are really talking about – human beings who simply want what the rest of take for granted - freedom. And while it is easy to say immigrants should follow the law in coming to America; what about those for whom there is no legal way? Those who live in a society that does not allow legal moves to the U.S.?

In the Mariel boatlift of 1980, 125,000 Cubans arrived on Florida’s shores. Not only was this politically motivated, but its origins also lie in the dreams of each of those individuals. Mirta Ojito’s memoir impressively melds the two together in a way that helps one to understand both. 

As a teen, Mirta’s family knew they wanted to leave Cuba, yet obtaining permission legally was nearly impossible. After waiting many years, the news that Castro was allowing Miami Cubans to come to Cuba to retrieve relatives was a dream come true – and a frightening beginning to a new life.

The reasons behind this treacherous immigration plan were numerous and complicated, and Mirta examines each in detail, in such a way as to help the reader understand them without leading the reader astray from the core story. The actions of key political players, as well as Mirta’s own family, merge in a way that allows the reader to feel both fully informed and fully entertained.

The culture clash of the Mariel boat lift was an important historical chapter for both Cuba and the United States, and anyone examining the immigration issue should include this book in their research. As Americans born here to freedom, it may be easy to make blanket statements about easy solutions to the immigration issue, but recognizing some of the true challenges on the other side is the first step to true understanding of the issue.