A Simple Habana Melody: A Novel — Unabridged Audiobook
A Simple Habana Melody is Oscar Hijuelos’s novel in an unabridged English audiobook narrated by Fabio Tassone. Set in 1947, it follows Cuban composer Israel Levis as he returns to Habana after wartime trauma and recalls his prewar life, music, and unrequited romance with singer Rita Valladares.
At a glance
- Follows composer Israel Levis on his return to Habana in 1947 after being sent to a camp during the Nazi occupation of France.
- Revisits his prewar memories, musical life, and unrequited romance with singer Rita Valladares.
- The listing says the audiobook includes a reading group guide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unabridged narration gives the novel a stated listening length of nearly twelve hours.
- The story centers on Cuban music and life in Habana, alongside the protagonist's wartime trauma and memories.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Author | Oscar Hijuelos, see all |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Fabio Tassone |
| Program type | Audiobook |
| Version | Unabridged |
| Listening length | 11 hours and 49 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Publication date | February 11, 2025 |
| Publisher | Grand Central Publishing |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners seeking literary historical fiction about a Cuban composer, music, and postwar return to Habana.
- Book groups interested in an audiobook listing that says it includes a reading group guide.
Less suited to
- Listeners looking specifically for a short audiobook or a story without wartime trauma and romantic remembrance.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
61% 61% - 4 stars
14% 14% - 3 stars
11% 11% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
11% 11%
Aggregate ratings lean positive, with a majority in the five-star category, but the distribution also includes lower ratings. Without customer comments, the figures do not show what listeners liked or disliked, so they offer limited guidance beyond indicating varied overall reactions.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote and narrates this audiobook?
The listed author is Oscar Hijuelos, and the narrator is Fabio Tassone.
How long is the audiobook?
The listing gives a listening length of 11 hours and 49 minutes.
What is the story about?
Set in 1947, the novel follows Cuban composer Israel Levis as he returns to Habana and recalls his life before the war, including an unrequited romance with singer Rita Valladares.
Is the audiobook abridged?
It is listed as unabridged.
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