The Cuban War of Independence from Spain ended 117 years ago, in 1898.  It was the Third War of Independence, technically, capping over a decade of war for Cubans. For Americans, it was a "splendid little war" according to Secretary of State John Hay, which lasted only a few months.

Over a hundred years ago, Cubans shook off the yoke of Spanish rule at last. And today, in 2015, talks over normalizing relations between Cuba and the United States are ready to begin (did you hear that a Russian intelligence ship JUST docked in Havana in time for the talks? A bit heavy-handed on someone's part, no?).

In the span of time between 1492,  the moment Christopher Columbus set foot on the island, and now, Cuba's history has been tumultuous, beautiful, tragic, mysterious, and riveting.

And since we're talking numbers, today marks 75 days until my novel, The Distant Marvels (Europa Editions), arrives. It's set during the Third War of Independence, and gives readers a glimpse of the life of a young civilian woman and her rebel parents. The protagonist, María Sirena, falls in love and has some really tough choices to make as the war rages. 

My hope is that, beyond loving María Sirena as much as I do, readers will learn something new in reading the story, something they wouldn't have found in textbooks regarding the Spanish-American War.

For example, did you know that the Spanish set up concentration camps on the island? They were called "reconcentration camps," but the images are hauntingly similar to what we associate with Nazi Germany's camps.

And did you know that some of the leaders of the Independence Movement were former slaves? Afro-Cubans like Antonio Macéo became national heroes in the war.

It was a lot of fun and illuminating falling down the research rabbit hole on this one, I can tell you!

I can't wait to share The Distant Marvels with you!

For those of you in NC, I'll be in Asheville at the Winter Institute February 8-11, and at the AWP Conference in Minneapolis later this year during the book's launch week, sitting on a panel with my Europa editor, Michael Reynolds, aka, "Mr. Terrific" (I just made that nickname up, but I'm sticking with it).

For now, follow the link to a description of the novel, and links to your favorite stores for pre-order goodness.

Oh, OH, and final cover reveal happening soon. ;)

xo,
C