Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Tropical Secrets summary
Brief summary
Tropical Secrets by Margarita Engle is a historical novel set during World War II. It tells the story of a Jewish refugee, Daniel, and a deaf Cuban girl, Paloma, as they form a bond and navigate the complexities of war and prejudice.
Topics
Table of Contents
Tropical Secrets
Summary of key ideas
Life in the Midst of War
In Tropical Secrets by Margarita Engle, we are transported to the 1930s, where the world is in the grips of war. Our protagonist, Daniel, is a thirteen-year-old Jewish boy who escapes from Nazi Germany on a ship to Cuba. He is alone, carrying only a small suitcase and a desperate hope to find his parents who had fled to Cuba earlier.
However, when Daniel arrives in Cuba, he is turned away as part of the St. Louis, a ship carrying Jewish refugees from Germany. He is left stranded in a foreign country, surrounded by a language he doesn't understand and a culture he doesn't know. The only thing he has is a small address, the last known location of his parents.
Friendship and Survival
As Daniel struggles to survive in this unfamiliar land, he meets a local girl, Paloma, who is a member of the Jewish community in Cuba. Paloma becomes Daniel's first friend in this foreign land, teaching him Spanish and helping him adapt to the Cuban way of life. Through Paloma, Daniel learns about the rich history of the Jewish people in Cuba and begins to understand the complex and often contradictory nature of the island's political and social landscape.
Despite his friendship with Paloma, Daniel remains haunted by the fate of his parents. He is determined to find them, but as the war rages on, his hopes begin to fade. Meanwhile, the political situation in Cuba becomes increasingly unstable, and the Jewish community, including Daniel and Paloma, faces growing discrimination and persecution.
Secrets and Survival
Amidst these challenges, Daniel hides his identity as a Jew, fearing that his status might endanger him further. He takes on a new identity and works as a farmhand, concealing his Jewish heritage to survive. However, as the war intensifies, the shadow of the Holocaust looms over Daniel, and he is forced to confront his true identity and the harsh realities of the world around him.
Paloma, too, carries her own secrets. She is a member of the resistance movement, fighting against the corrupt Cuban government and its ties to Nazi Germany. As Daniel becomes increasingly embroiled in her world, the two friends must navigate a treacherous path, balancing their survival with their desire to stand up for what is right.
Hope and Resilience
Despite the overwhelming odds, Daniel and Paloma refuse to give in to despair. Their friendship, built on shared hardships and mutual understanding, becomes a source of strength for both of them. As the war comes to an end, Daniel's search for his parents reaches a critical juncture, and he must make a decision that will shape his future.
In conclusion, Tropical Secrets is a poignant tale of survival, friendship, and resilience in the midst of war. Through Daniel and Paloma's experiences, we are reminded of the power of hope and the human capacity to endure even in the darkest of times.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Tropical Secrets about?
Tropical Secrets by Margarita Engle is a historical novel set during World War II. It tells the story of a Jewish refugee named Daniel who finds himself in a small village in Cuba. There, he forms an unlikely friendship with a local girl named Paloma, who helps him hide from the authorities. As they navigate the challenges of war and prejudice, they discover the power of friendship and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Tropical Secrets Review
Tropical Secrets (2009) sheds light on the unlikely friendship between a Cuban refugee and a Jewish refugee during WWII, raising poignant themes of camaraderie and survival. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Portraying unconventional friendships formed in times of adversity, it showcases the resilience of the human spirit.
- Through narrative twists and unexpected turns, the story remains compelling, ensuring readers stay captivated until the end.
- Its historical context offers a unique perspective on WWII by exploring lesser-known stories, making the book a riveting and enlightening read.
Who should read Tropical Secrets?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction set during World War II
Individuals interested in stories about resilience and survival
Those who appreciate diverse perspectives and multicultural characters
Categories with Tropical Secrets
Book summaries like Tropical Secrets
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Tropical Secrets FAQs
What is the main message of Tropical Secrets?
The main message of Tropical Secrets revolves around friendship, resilience, and the impact of war on young lives.
How long does it take to read Tropical Secrets?
Reading time for Tropical Secrets varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of the time it takes to read the full book.
Is Tropical Secrets a good book? Is it worth reading?
Tropical Secrets is worth reading for its poignant storytelling that sheds light on human connection during challenging times.
Who is the author of Tropical Secrets?
Margarita Engle is the author of Tropical Secrets.
What to read after Tropical Secrets?
If you're wondering what to read next after Tropical Secrets, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley