Relentless political turmoil streams through the veins of Cuba like lava coursing down the side of a volcano.
Book I and Book II of SONS OF CUBA – PRELUDE TO REVOLUTION is a historical fiction staged in 1950 Cuba that transports the reader through actual, but embellished events. The combined story navigates you through Felipe Cardena's journey from idealistic University student to aging dictator.
Felipe Cardena, an ambitious, charismatic, and outspoken college student seeks equality and justice for his beloved Cuba. He ignores warnings of his father and aligns himself with like-minded sympathizers. In Book I of the two part series, Felipe, along with a cast of dedicated men and women, experiences lost love; the exhilaration of victory, demoralizing disappointments, death, imprisonment and exile.
Emilio Diaz, Felipe's best friend and most dedicated supporter, stands strong with the young rebel with every turn. Although frustrated on multiple occasions, Emilio struggles to keep Felipe focused and headed in the right direction.
Luis Cardena, the younger brother, is a perpetual thorn in Felipe's side.
Four women, in their unique individual way, have a profound impact on Felipe Cardena the student; Felipe the rebel; and Felipe the dictator.
Margarít Marín is the fiancé and love of Felipe's life. She is the only hope for keeping Felipe grounded and out of trouble. However, her manipulating aristocratic parents, Cristóbal and Teresa Marín, have other plans; and marriage to the labriegos, Felipe Cardena, is not one of them. Their interference in Margarít and Felipe's relationship dramatically impacts the destiny that befalls Felipe, the dictator, in Book II.
Rafaella Zamá, the Santería priestess (Oloricha), pops in and out of Felipe's life endeavoring to control his destiny.
Lidía Álverez, the wife of a prominent Havana surgeon who ardently supports the current dictator, warms Felipe's bed and financially supports his rebellion. Lidia's unconditional devotion and indiscretions eventually seal her fate.
Tangi Montolio, a stunning redheaded peasant girl, delivers a long awaited message to Felipe at the rebel's encampment high in the Sierra Maestra. This message not only changed the course of the revolt, but also the lives of the Cuban people.
Book II – SONS OF CUBA – HOMECOMING slides the focus away from Felipe and the revolution and spotlights Tangi and her family. Her story illustrates the overwhelming hardships and disappointments in the new regime. They struggle with the reality that Cuba once again is condemned to repeat past mistakes. But in Tangi Montolio's narrative, a twist of fate awaits the once beloved hope of Cuba.
