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Isla Vulnerable: Based on a True Story
1st PLACE WINNER, C.I.B.A. HEMINGWAY AWARD
BEST 1st BOOK, INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARDS
"An inherently compelling read from start to finish that deftly combines the elements of espionage and romance." —MBR Bookwatch
"Absolutely enthralling and entertaining. Kept me engaged to the very end." —Bare Books Podcast
"This would make a great, great film." —On the Bookshelf with Doc Kirby, WTBF
"A wonderfully rendered story." —Denton Record-Chronicle
In late 1950’s Cuba, the island’s allure as an elite global paradise was cloaked by a revolution that brought down its rich and powerful.
When a poor native farm boy named Victor Gomez is suddenly orphaned and adopted by one of the most influential families in his hometown, he meets and falls for Sarita Rodriguez—a fashion model and media empire heiress—just before Fidel Castro overthrows President Fulgencio Batista and takes control of the island. After Castro raids Victor’s new family’s estate and imprisons his father, Victor narrowly escapes and flees to the US where he accepts an unconventional, deadly deal as a spy to save his country. Still just a teen, Victor finds himself in a cycle of betrayal—struggling to find truth and purpose, while torn between protecting his now powerless parents, finding his disbanded biological siblings, and secretly pursuing Sarita as she rises to international fame from New York.
Based on the true story of the author’s family, Isla Vulnerable weaves a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and human resilience in the face of extraordinary historical events—including the Cold War, the Cuban missile crisis, the CIA’s covert operations in foreign affairs, Operation Mongoose, and the assassination of JFK. A dynamic cast of real-life-inspired characters, meticulous attention to historical detail, edge-of-your-seat spy scenes, and a love story that transcends social classes compose an ideologically-unbiased, heartwarming, and cinematic journey in this author’s first published book.
BEST 1st BOOK, INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARDS
"An inherently compelling read from start to finish that deftly combines the elements of espionage and romance." —MBR Bookwatch
"Absolutely enthralling and entertaining. Kept me engaged to the very end." —Bare Books Podcast
"This would make a great, great film." —On the Bookshelf with Doc Kirby, WTBF
"A wonderfully rendered story." —Denton Record-Chronicle
In late 1950’s Cuba, the island’s allure as an elite global paradise was cloaked by a revolution that brought down its rich and powerful.
When a poor native farm boy named Victor Gomez is suddenly orphaned and adopted by one of the most influential families in his hometown, he meets and falls for Sarita Rodriguez—a fashion model and media empire heiress—just before Fidel Castro overthrows President Fulgencio Batista and takes control of the island. After Castro raids Victor’s new family’s estate and imprisons his father, Victor narrowly escapes and flees to the US where he accepts an unconventional, deadly deal as a spy to save his country. Still just a teen, Victor finds himself in a cycle of betrayal—struggling to find truth and purpose, while torn between protecting his now powerless parents, finding his disbanded biological siblings, and secretly pursuing Sarita as she rises to international fame from New York.
Based on the true story of the author’s family, Isla Vulnerable weaves a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and human resilience in the face of extraordinary historical events—including the Cold War, the Cuban missile crisis, the CIA’s covert operations in foreign affairs, Operation Mongoose, and the assassination of JFK. A dynamic cast of real-life-inspired characters, meticulous attention to historical detail, edge-of-your-seat spy scenes, and a love story that transcends social classes compose an ideologically-unbiased, heartwarming, and cinematic journey in this author’s first published book.
- GenresFiction
449 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2023
15 people are currently reading
2107 people want to read
About the author
Ivan Luiz Hernandez
1 book10 followersIvan Luiz Hernandez is a creative writer and health advocate dedicated to bringing unique stories and ideas to life. The unusual childhood events he experienced as the son of a former US spy inspired him to tell his family's riveting story in Isla Vulnerable.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 13, 2024
Deeply interesting story, based on the life of the author's father, Isla Vulnerable, that takes us back to the era of the Bay of Pigs, Havana nightlife, the Cuban Missile crisis, and the Kennedy White House. Well written portrayal of the human tragedy of the time, which really wasn't that long ago. It would be interesting to see a continuation of the family history put into book form. I was left curious for more information as to what was going on behind the scenes in this era and sad that this situation still has not been resolved.
My thanks to the author, Ivan Luiz Hernandez, and the publisher, Wise Ink Creative Publishing, for my copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway
My thanks to the author, Ivan Luiz Hernandez, and the publisher, Wise Ink Creative Publishing, for my copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway
January 28, 2024
Isla Vulnerable by Ivan Hernandez is an incredible account of the Cuban situation, based on his own father’s time as a CIA operative.
Beautifully written, meticulously researched (I hope - because I believed it), and sensitively delivered, we follow Victor as he puts himself in incredible danger returning to his homeland to counter Castro, his ideals, and regime.
My politics might be different to the author’s and I was worried my vision of Cuba’s David, confronting America’s Goliath might be sullied - but absolutely not. The politics and historical events are balanced and accurate, and the humanity crosses borders.
This is a beautiful and exciting thriller, an historic commentary, and a story of love, family and resilience. I Hope Hollywood stays faithful to this intimate, soul searching plot - when it decides to make that blockbusting screen adaptation …
Beautifully written, meticulously researched (I hope - because I believed it), and sensitively delivered, we follow Victor as he puts himself in incredible danger returning to his homeland to counter Castro, his ideals, and regime.
My politics might be different to the author’s and I was worried my vision of Cuba’s David, confronting America’s Goliath might be sullied - but absolutely not. The politics and historical events are balanced and accurate, and the humanity crosses borders.
This is a beautiful and exciting thriller, an historic commentary, and a story of love, family and resilience. I Hope Hollywood stays faithful to this intimate, soul searching plot - when it decides to make that blockbusting screen adaptation …
October 6, 2024
amazing story- courage at its best
This story of a Cuba during and after the revolution is a glimpse of my own story. So many lives were changed and so many lives were lost. Cuba is still in the hands of dictatorship and spreading their evil controlling methods all over the world. This story and many others need to hear told. This book is amazing and should be a movie. Congratulations Ivan you are a great storyteller
This story of a Cuba during and after the revolution is a glimpse of my own story. So many lives were changed and so many lives were lost. Cuba is still in the hands of dictatorship and spreading their evil controlling methods all over the world. This story and many others need to hear told. This book is amazing and should be a movie. Congratulations Ivan you are a great storyteller
March 24, 2024
Just read it, it’s worth every bit of your time.
December 2, 2023
Isla Vulnerable: A Cuban Farm Boy Transform into a US Spy by Ivan Luiz Hernadez is a fantastic novel. It feels so real. The fact that it is based off a true story is amazing! Instantly, I can feel and experience the Cuban culture and family life. I was immediately transferred into the main protagonist's life.
A little farm boy who went from being bullied by the schoolteacher to the not so fun life at home to becoming a spy for a foreign country. It proves difficult to not sympathize with Victor. He is the good boy who becomes a good man helping to fight the communism that is consuming his beloved country. He finally makes his life in the United States and works hard to bring his family with him.
There are many moments that are heartbreaking and leave the reader wondering what is next. I was not sure where the story would have gone nor what Victor's life would be like if he did not become a spy for the United States. I also, enjoyed the background story on the writer and his family. I can see some similarities between the story and the backgrounds. Overall, this novel was intense, engaging, and one I could not stop reading! If you love action, spies, historical fiction, and thrillers this is the novel to read!
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
A little farm boy who went from being bullied by the schoolteacher to the not so fun life at home to becoming a spy for a foreign country. It proves difficult to not sympathize with Victor. He is the good boy who becomes a good man helping to fight the communism that is consuming his beloved country. He finally makes his life in the United States and works hard to bring his family with him.
There are many moments that are heartbreaking and leave the reader wondering what is next. I was not sure where the story would have gone nor what Victor's life would be like if he did not become a spy for the United States. I also, enjoyed the background story on the writer and his family. I can see some similarities between the story and the backgrounds. Overall, this novel was intense, engaging, and one I could not stop reading! If you love action, spies, historical fiction, and thrillers this is the novel to read!
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
November 11, 2025
The book captures the volatile Cuban History from 1952 to 1964. Many historical characters are identified on both sides of the conflict. Counter revolutionary efforts are revealed in contrast to the suffering that Cuban citizens had to endure under the communist regime. The epilog offers the real names and pictures of many of the main characters in the book as well as publications documenting events in the book making it a valuable record of the time. If you lived through this period, you will appreciate all the details in this extraordinary book. The author is a descendant of the real characters in the book making it a profound family history as well.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews