Chanel Cleeton

About

Chanel Cleeton is an American author of Cuban descent, known for her historical fiction exploring Cuban history, exile, family, and the enduring effects of political upheaval. Born and raised in Florida, she draws inspiration from her Cuban heritage to examine the experiences of people whose lives have been shaped by revolution, migration, and the search for belonging. Her novels often weave together multiple generations and perspectives, connecting intimate family stories with broader historical events. Her best-known work, Next Year in Havana (2018), became a bestseller and was followed by When We Left Cuba (2019) and The Last Train to Key West (2020). Through her emotionally engaging storytelling, Cleeton explores the complexities of cultural identity, displacement, and the meaning of home.