El rey de La Habana

The vivid descriptions really bring the city to life, but I wonder how much was based on personal experience versus research. Did the author aim to challenge stereotypes about Cuba?

Their lives are so raw and visceral, yet I found myself rooting for them despite their flaws. What does that say about the way we connect with flawed characters?

It adds layers of complexity to the characters’ lives, but I'm curious whether this was a deliberate effort to reflect real voices or to challenge cultural taboos.