Holiday romance gone wrong

Thank you for the kiss by Beth Jordan

by Liz Treacher, Author

Beth Jordan is a local author, photographer and business woman living in Ross-shire. Her debut novel Thank You for the Kiss (Moultavie, 2023) is a fascinating mix of fiction and memoir.

Set in Cuba, the novel throbs with life and passion, reflecting the dazzling colours and heat of the island. So vivid are Beth’s descriptions, it feels as if the country of Cuba is another character.

The plot of the novel hinges on deceit and misunderstandings. The protagonist, Gina, is on a tourist break to Havana when she meets a local dancer and falls for his charms. But the dancer is more interested in Gina’s money than Gina herself and she soon finds herself embroiled financially.

It would be easy to describe the young Cuban character as a trickster, but life in Cuba is hard and complicated. I think this is the real interest of the book the fact that although there is deceit, there are no real villains, just people with little future trying to create a better life for themselves. And Beth ultimately understands this.

Beth makes no secret of the fact that the Gina character in the book is based on her own experience, and her honesty and self-awareness make for a very interesting read. The plot is fast-paced and Cuba is presented to us as a succession of sights and sounds which propel us through the plot. It’s a story with two sides and two cultures, woven together with the tantalising beat of salsa and the tapping of feet.

Liz Treacher is a writer based in Skelbo. Her latest novel, Vegan Recipes for New Age Men, is a romantic comedy set in the local area. It’s available to buy from Dornoch Bookshop.