Since 1979, when travel to Cuba from the United States opened up, thousands of Cuban Americans have visited the island on a short-term basis to reunite with their families and reacquaint themselves with their birthplace. Such topics as outbound migration and the adaptation process of Cubans in the host society have received considerable attention in academia, while the subject of return as it pertains to Cuban Americans has been largely neglected. Exclusively devoted to the subject, this book explores narratives on the return to Cuba of individuals of the so-called one-and-a-half generation (t ... More Since 1979, when travel to Cuba from the United States opened up, thousands of Cuban Americans have visited the island on a short-term basis to reunite with their families and reacquaint themselves with their birthplace. Such topics as outbound migration and the adaptation process of Cubans in the host society have received considerable attention in academia, while the subject of return as it pertains to Cuban Americans has been largely neglected. Exclusively devoted to the subject, this book explores narratives on the return to Cuba of individuals of the so-called one-and-a-half generation (those who left Cuba as children or adolescents). Some of the narratives feature a physical return; others depict a metaphorical or vicarious going back through fictional characters or childhood reminiscences. Among the writers and artists addressed are Ruth Behar, María Brito, Carlos Eire, Cristina García, Ana Mendieta, Gustavo Pérez Firmat, Ernesto Pujol, and Achy Obejas. Through a critical reading of their work, the book highlights the affective ties as well as the tensions underlying the relationships between the authors and their native country. Also explored is a complementary subject, the portrayal of returnees in Cuban literature and popular arts on the island.