{"product_id":"the-optimistic-cuban-9781592116065","title":"The Optimistic Cuban","description":"\u003cb\u003eIn a city torn by revolution, his heart is caught between love, loyalty, and the price of freedom.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cp\u003e In 1959 Havana, middle-class student activist Fernando fights against the corrupt, U.S.-backed Batista regime. Initially elated by the success of Castro's Communist Revolution, Fernando's excitement soon fades as he grapples with the harsh realities of the new government's oppression. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Meanwhile, his beloved Julia and best friend Gustavo, who come from impoverished Black families, are hopeful that the Revolution will bring long-awaited social change. This difference in political beliefs creates friction, but Fernando's feelings for Julia remain strong. When faced with challenges to his personal life and values, Fernando must navigate a world of divided loyalties, harsh political realities, and deep social divides. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e As tensions mount, Fernando finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his homeland and a future elsewhere. Ultimately, he faces a choice that will test his beliefs, his loyalties, and the depth of his love. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJosé Sotolongo was born in Cuba. His work has been featured in various literary journals, including \u003ci\u003eAtticus Review\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eBorder Crossings\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Southampton Review\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThird Coast\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eMiracle Monocle\u003c\/i\u003e. His fiction has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize and \u003ci\u003eBest of the Net\u003c\/i\u003e. A second novel, \u003ci\u003eKnowing Grace\u003c\/i\u003e, is set for release in 2025 by Evolved Press. He lives with his husband in the Catskills of New York.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Histria Fiction","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51998203248914,"sku":"9781592116065","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_cec2f075-6b1d-44b0-84e0-804de3143d86.jpg?v=1770143829","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-optimistic-cuban-9781592116065","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}