Memoir of Cuban immigrant Roberto Diego Lopez captures the spirit and color of Havana in the 1930's and 1940's. It's a personal account about one young boy growing to manhood; his stories reflect upon the Cuban lifestyle, values, and temperament. Lopez was fascinated by the strong, colorful personalities of the people around him and tells their tales with warmth and humor. Lopez also recounts what it was like when things ruptured—when the communists took over—and made it impossible for him to stay, or to return.