I’m way behind on my NetGalley reading, but here’s one more from an author I’ve loved, well, forever. Nelson DeMille has an ability to create characters that work on so many different levels, filled with external and internal goals that keep me turning pages and buying new books.
As a result, when the Cuban Affair became available on NetGalley, I grabbed it:
The Cuban Affair–retrieving a treasure left in Cuba after the revolution becomes not only dangerous but romantic
The Cuban Affair
by Nelson DeMille
4/5
In Nelson DeMille’s latest book, The Cuban Affair (Simon & Schuster 2017), a group of Cubans who escaped to Florida during the revolution hire “Mac” McCormack, owner of a small fishing and sightseeing charter boat in Key West Florida to get them to Cuba. Their goal is to retrieve legal papers and $60 million left there by wealthy Cubans fleeing the revolution. The plan is that Mac and the granddaughter of one of the escaped Cubans (Sara) will join a Yale tour of academes that are visiting the newly-reopened Cuba while Mac’s first mate Jack sails Mac’s boat down to the island to participate in a race. That will place him right where Mac and Sara need him when they are ready to flee with the treasure.
Things begin to fall apart immediately when Sara, of Cuban heritage, attracts the attention of Cuban officials as they arrive in Havana. Each step every day, the tension gets worse until Sara wonders if they should simply flee with their lives. Mac, former military with a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts, is not in the habit of ever (ever) fleeing evil. It gets complicated when he realizes he’s falling in love with Sara though she has a boyfriend and they have nothing in common, making the idea of quitting less a strategic decision and more of a personal one.
I have enjoyed every Nelson DeMille book I’ve read and this was no different. It is clever, humorous, with lively characters that constantly intrigue. Although the plot is heavily mixed with background on the Cuban revolution, Cuba’s culture, the deterioration of the country during the Castro era, and the strength of the people, the information comes across as authentic and never boring. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants a virtual vacation to Cuba from the safety of your couch blended with an exciting typically-Demille thriller.
Why 4/5? Did I mention there was a lot of Cuba travelogue? For me, it was too much. For you, it might be just right.
–received free from NetGalley in return for an honest review
More thrillers:
3 Thrillers With Strong Male Characters
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-8 technology for 20 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-8 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, CSG Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice reviewer, CAEP reviewer, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a weekly contributor to TeachHUB. You can find her resources at Structured Learning. Read Jacqui’s tech thriller series, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days.
Pingback: 2 More NetGalley ARCs–1 Great, 1 Good – Today's Author
Serendipity! I’m headed to Cuba in a month and need to read this book before I go. Thanks for bringing this novel to my attention. I am thrilled!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has a wonderful foundation in the history of the island, not so much in the present. I’m a little bit jealous of you, taking that trip.
LikeLike
The amount of books! This makes me so happy 🙂
Also, you’ve got me intrigued and I’d like to give this one a read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s something about books… I just have to have them around me.
LikeLike
Sounds like my kind of book. I’d have to see if I’ll find myself skipping over too much travelogue. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s more historic novel than thriller–a pleasant change for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this review of the book, The Cuban Affair, by Nelson DeMille, as featured on the Word Dreams blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reblog, Don!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jacqui – I’d like to read it … even if I skip parts of the travelogue – I am sure I’ve never read any of de Mille’s works … but historical fiction I enjoy … cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life in Castro’s Cuba isn’t much different from what I imagine but DeMille draws word pictures of that life. He is an amazing storyteller.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good review, Jacqui. I like the sound of the complications of the love issue of Mac towards Sara, this kind of situation always adds some depth to the characters and the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Plus, it’s set up so you’re not sure who a reliable narrator is. Maybe no one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cuba, romance, thrills – to be read, I’m sure, with cigar in mouth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you can find the proper brand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Atmospheric in its own way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jacqui I love stories about Cuba during the revolution. I lived in Miami for many years where the Cubans fled when Fidel Castro came into power.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You will love this book, then. Not to mention DeMille is an extraordinary storyteller.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Site Title and commented:
Thanks Jacqui my husband loves De Mille I will pass your review onto him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thanks for the reblog!
LikeLike
Sounds good, Jacqui. So tempting. I seem to enjoy all your recommendations 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
This one is less crazy than most thrillers–most DeMille thrillers. I liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
good article
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for dropping in.
LikeLike
I’m always up for a virtual trip. Thanks for the terrific review, Jacqui. Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you like a simpler world that is shaped by politics and a dictator, this is a good choice. It’s amazing Cubans retain their optimism.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It truly is, Jacqui.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve long been a fan of DeMille, I even have one signed book by him, but I haven’t as yet read this one – in fact, I’m so far behind in things – I hadn’t heard this title before!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is not as much like his norm. It makes me think of Carsten Stroud who wrote amazing military-themed books for about three books, took a fifteen-year break and came back as a paranormal author. What? This one isn’t that much of a difference, but not the usual DeMille.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the warning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anything with Cuba grabs my attention and your excellent review has me wanting to read this straight away!! Yeah, one more review ticked for Netgalley…bet you’ve picked up lots of new ones in the meantime! Have a great weekend, Jacqui!😀❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
This, I would call, setting-driven. Usually, DeMille thrillers are plot-driven but he’s made a change.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Count me in for the armchair tour of Cuba.
LikeLiked by 1 person
With your cuppa tea, right?
LikeLike