Letters from Cuba

Cuba, with its diverse cultures and peoples, is worlds apart from the Polish culture and Jewish traditions Esther is familiar with in Govorovo. However, instead of reacting with fear and distrust to her new surroundings, Esther embraces her new home. Esther’s open-minded approach to life in Cuba spotlights this important theme in the novel: the need to understand and appreciate other cultures.

When Esther invites her new friends to the Passover seder, the guests are initially uncomfortable. Papa knows that the diverse cultures in Agramonte do not mix. By the end of the celebration, however, the group has found similarities that help them better relate to each other. Doctor Pablo comments, “Tonight, Esther invited us and we all came separately, not knowing we’d sit together at the same table” (112). Doctor Pablo recognizes that the disparate group has united in its desire to protect Cuba’s freedom and diversity from Nazi hatred. Their cross-cultural understanding enables them to recognize their shared history and values and inspires them to work together to form the Anti-Nazi Society of Agramonte.

Esther is consistently inclusive of other cultures. She writes, “I will not forget our Jewish customs and traditions, but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn about other ones, does it?” (135) She does not judge or criticize others’ beliefs or traditions but approaches them with curiosity and acceptance.