Herejes summary

Uncovering a Painful Past

As the story unfolds in Herejes by Leonardo Padura, we are introduced to the protagonist, Mario Conde, a retired police officer in Havana. Conde is approached by a Cuban-American, Elias Kaminsky, who seeks his help in tracing a lost Rembrandt painting that belonged to his Jewish family before they fled Nazi Germany on the S.S. Saint Louis in 1939.

Upon the ship's arrival in Havana, the Cuban government, under pressure from the United States, refused the refugees entry, forcing the ship to return to Europe. Conde is intrigued by the story and agrees to assist Elias, setting off a chain of events that will uncover painful memories and secrets from Cuba's past.

Tracing the Lost Painting

Conde begins his investigation by visiting the Jewish community in Havana, where he meets several elderly survivors of the S.S. Saint Louis tragedy. They recount their experiences, shedding light on the harsh conditions they faced on the ship and the heart-wrenching rejection they encountered in Cuba. Despite their efforts, the refugees were forced to return to Europe, where many perished in the Holocaust.

Meanwhile, Elias, who has returned to the United States, provides Conde with valuable information about the Rembrandt painting, which he believes was left behind in Cuba by his grandfather. Conde's search leads him to Havana's art world, where he learns about the complex and often corrupt system of art collection and preservation in Cuba. He also uncovers the story of a Cuban artist who may have been involved in hiding the painting.

Confronting Cuba's Dark History

As Conde delves deeper into the case, he becomes increasingly aware of the deep-rooted anti-Semitism and xenophobia that characterized Cuba's policies during the 1930s and 40s. The country's refusal to accept the Jewish refugees was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of discrimination against minority groups. Conde is confronted with the uncomfortable truth that his beloved country was complicit in the suffering of thousands of innocent people.

Conde's investigation also takes a personal turn when he discovers that his own family was involved in the events surrounding the S.S. Saint Louis. He learns that his father, a young police officer at the time, was present at the port when the ship was turned away. This revelation forces Conde to reconsider his own identity and confront the darker aspects of his family history.

Unraveling the Mystery

As the story nears its conclusion, Conde manages to locate the elusive Rembrandt painting. He learns that it was indeed left behind in Cuba by Elias' grandfather, but its subsequent journey is shrouded in mystery. The painting's path takes Conde through the labyrinthine corridors of power in Havana, where he encounters corruption, betrayal, and the lingering effects of the revolution.

In the end, Conde is able to reunite Elias with the Rembrandt, providing a small measure of closure for the Kaminsky family. However, the larger questions raised by the S.S. Saint Louis tragedy remain unresolved. Herejes concludes with a powerful reflection on the enduring legacy of historical injustices and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths, even if they challenge our most deeply held beliefs.