Strangely, Friends: A History of Cuban-Canadian Encounters - Softcover

Dubinsky, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1771136871 ISBN 13: 9781771136877

Publisher: Between the Lines, 2026

Synopsis

Strangely, Friends delves into the rich, often overlooked history of personal and cultural connections between Cubans and Canadians. From the early days of the Cuban Revolution to the present, this book uncovers the stories of Canadians who were drawn to Cuba―teachers, artists, development aid workers, filmmakers, and activists―who left an indelible mark on the island, and Cubans, especially the musicians, who found a home in Canada. Through intimate portraits and serendipitous encounters, Karen Dubinsky explores how these relationships transcended political ideologies and state policies, revealing a shared humanity that defies borders. From the classrooms of Havana to the jazz clubs of Toronto, this book captures the enduring bonds forged through music, education, and mutual curiosity, offering a fresh perspective on the power of people-to-people connections.

About this title

About the Author

Karen Dubinsky is a historian at Queen’s University. Between 2008 and 2023, she co-taught and coordinated a university exchange program on Cuban culture which brought Canadian students to the University of Havana and Cuban artists and academics to Canada. She is co-host of Cuban Serenade, a podcast about Cuban musicians in Canada and hosts the CFRC radio program Cuban Sounds in Canada. Her previous books include studies of transnational adoption, Canadian cultural history, and Canadian-Global South relations. She lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Edition details

• Publisher: Between the Lines
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1771136871
• ISBN 13: 9781771136877
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 294