How many books has Oscar Hijuelos written?

Oscar Hijuelos published 7 novels, 1 children's book and 1 poetry collection that we list, as of September 2026.

What order should I read Oscar Hijuelos's books in?

Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Dark Dude (w.t.).

What is Oscar Hijuelos's last book?

Twain & Stanley Enter Paradise (2015).

What is Oscar Hijuelos's most famous book?

Dark Dude (w.t.) (2008) is Oscar Hijuelos's most widely read book.

Which Oscar Hijuelos books have been adapted?

1 book has been adapted for film or TV, including The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love (as The Mambo Kings, film, 1992).

Oscar Hijuelos books in order

American novelist

Lived: 1951–2013
Country: United States
Books: 9

Literary fiction

Oscar Hijuelos published 7 novels, 1 children's book and 1 poetry collection, beginning with The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love (1989). The best-known is Dark Dude (w.t.) (2008).

Updated September 2026

Where to start with Oscar Hijuelos

Start here
Dark Dude (w.t.)
Oscar Hijuelos's most-read book.

Standalone novels in order

The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love (Aug 1989)
416 pagesAdapted for film
Buy
The Fourteen Sisters of Emilio Montez O'Brien (1993)
496 pages
Buy
Mr. Ives' Christmas (1995)
248 pages
Buy
Empress of the Splendid Season (1999)
342 pages
Buy
A Simple Habana Melody (2003)
368 pages
Buy
Beautiful Maria of My Soul (2010)
Buy
Twain & Stanley Enter Paradise (2015)
496 pages
Buy

Children's books in order

Dark Dude (w.t.) (2008)
320 pages
Buy

Poetry in order

Burnt Sugar = (2006)
131 pages
Buy

Film and TV adaptations

The Mambo Kings (1992)Film · from The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love

About Oscar Hijuelos

Oscar Jerome Hijuelos was an American novelist of Cuban descent. During a year-long convalescence from a childhood illness spent in a Connecticut hospital, he lost his knowledge of Spanish, his parents' native language. He was educated in New York City, and wrote short stories and advertising copy.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Oscar Hijuelos FAQ

How many books has Oscar Hijuelos written?: Oscar Hijuelos published 7 novels, 1 children's book and 1 poetry collection that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Oscar Hijuelos's books in?: Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Dark Dude (w.t.).
What is Oscar Hijuelos's last book?: Twain & Stanley Enter Paradise (2015).
What is Oscar Hijuelos's most famous book?: Dark Dude (w.t.) (2008) is Oscar Hijuelos's most widely read book.
Which Oscar Hijuelos books have been adapted?: 1 book has been adapted for film or TV, including The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love (as The Mambo Kings, film, 1992).