READ THIS: THE CUBAN AFFAIR by Nelson DeMille
Cuba is in the news often today, but we chose this book not because of location (what could be better than Florida? Or Manhattan? Not much!) but because of our previous admiration for Nelson DeMille's work. Peachy and her cousin, who is a teacher, both like Nelson.
Previously on Whom You Know, we've reviewed The Lion:
Also, Nelson made the brilliant move of switching to Simon and Schuster.
The Cuban Affair opens in Key West, a place that is one of the 12 places in America that the late and entirely awesome Charles Kuralt recommends in his America book. That book definitely earns our highest recommendation.
For our sizable UK/Ireland audience, you should know that the fictional American protagonist, Daniel Graham MacCormick defines himself as Scots-Irish-English American. You can call him Mac.
A veteran, and we do like how Nelson is writing on veterans, Mac lives a seemingly fabulously relaxed life in Key West chartering his boat to tourists. Mac, what is your twitter account?! Do you read Peachy Ahoy?
Our favorite character is Jack. Though he is a fashion no, he is a personality yes. He gets to the point: "You get one shot, asshole, then the guy you didn't shoot is going to take you down and shove that gun so far up your ass that the first round'll blow your tonsils out." p. 413. Jack, if you come to life someday you may enjoy Bond, Peachy Bond. Especially the part with Darren.
Mac is presented with an offer he MAY NOT be able to refuse.
The book is about this offer and subsequent POSSIBLE caper.
We will not revel the plot.
You will like it.
In terms of writing, clearly the plot is well-thought-out and the verbiage, parts and chapters are respectively well-organized. The story carries well, so unless you are reviewing the book you may not notice however, when these elements work well, the story of course evolves at a higher level, seamlessly. There is a large lead-up to the plot, but less so with the sex.
Note the protagonists are looking for something...so, if you like action and searches, this is up your alley. Even your dog, especially if the dog reads, will be delighted to see that the treasure hunt goes beyond the documents to something to chew on.
The descriptions impressed us:
"I looked again at the beach. The sand was almost iridescent, with a touch of blue and pink, and the water was a deep aquamarine. But farther out, I could see whitecaps and wispy clouds scudding quickly from east to west. There was a weather system on the way."
p.334
Nelson is earning a double feature in Laugh with Peachy.
It is actually quite hard to make Peachy laugh as most people are not as funny as they think they are.
Evidence of how you will Laugh with Peachy:
*page 5: "This is paradise. Better than two tours in Allfuckedupistan."
What a way with words Mac has!
*page 49: "the romance of socialism."
Now THAT is funny!
*page 76: "Why do you want to go to Cuba?"
"North Korea was sold out."
Nelson writes about Yale accurately. He correctly references the Whiffenpoofs p. 85 and we know because Peachy was a Perilhette and you know what Sarah Porter's brother was the President of...Yale.
For everyone that reads us and likes to eat at restaurants:
"...'We also have privately owned restaurants in America.'
'Yes, good. But they are expensive. Here, not so much. And, everyone should try a government restaurant.'" p. 115
A government restaurant!?! We never had such a thought.
Style matters and we like the shells that punctuate the chapters.
The book cover was also great.
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille is Recommended by Whom You Know.
Nelson, you are invited for a direct interview in writing: you only may email peachydeegan@gmail.com
***
Simon & Schuster is proud to present THE CUBAN AFFAIR (Simon & Schuster; September 19, 2017; $28.99), the blistering new novel from Nelson DeMille, the legendary #1 New York Times bestselling author of Plum Island, Night Fall, and Radiant Angel. Not only does this mark DeMille’s move to a new publisher, but his twentieth novel introduces a new character as well: U.S. Army combat veteran Daniel “Mac” MacCormick, now a charter boat captain, who is about to set sail on his most dangerous cruise yet, from Key West to Havana, ninety miles and a world away.
Mac seems to have a pretty good life. At age thirty-five he’s living in Key West and owns a forty-two-foot charter fishing boat, The Maine. Mac served five years in the Army as an infantry officer with two tours in Afghanistan. He returned with a Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, scars that don’t tan, and a boat with a big bank loan. Truth be told, Mac’s finances are more than a little shaky.
One day, Mac is sitting in the famous Green Parrot Bar in Key West waiting for Carlos, a hotshot Miami lawyer heavily involved with anti-Castro groups. Carlos wants to hire Mac and The Maine for a ten-day fishing tournament to Cuba at the standard rate, but Mac is distrustful and turns him down. When the price goes up to two million dollars, Mac agrees to hear the deal and to meet Carlos’ clients—a beautiful Cuban-American woman named Sara Ortega, and a mysterious older Cuban exile, Eduardo Valazquez.
Mac soon learns there is sixty million American dollars hidden in Cuba, left by Sara’s grandfather when he fled Castro’s revolution. With the “Cuban Thaw” underway between Havana and Washington, Carlos, Eduardo, and Sara know it’s only a matter of time before someone finds the stash—by accident or on purpose. And Mac knows if he accepts this job, he’ll walk away rich…or not at all.
DeMille traveled to Cuba in 2015, and the book is not only filled with blistering adventure but fascinating facts about Cuba, including a dark, shocking secret that could freeze the Cuban Thaw. DeMille writes from his extensive research as well as his first-hand experiences from his visit, which included an interview with the acting U.S. Ambassador.
Brilliantly written, with his signature humor, fascinating authenticity, and heart-pounding pace, novel #20 reaffirms that Nelson DeMille is a true master of the genre.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nelson DeMille is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty novels, six of which were #1 New York Times bestsellers. His novels include The Cuban Affair, Radiant Angel, Plum Island, The Charm School, The Gold Coast, and The General’s Daughter, which was made into a major motion picture, starring John Travolta and Madeleine Stowe. He has written short stories, book reviews, and articles for magazines and newspapers. Nelson DeMille is a combat-decorated U.S. Army veteran, a member of Mensa, Poets & Writers, and the Authors Guild, and a member and past president of the Mystery Writers of America. He is also a member of the International Thriller Writers, who honored him as 2015 ThrillerMaster of the Year. He lives on Long Island with his family.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
THE CUBAN AFFAIR: A Novel
By Nelson DeMille
Published by Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: September 19, 2017
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781501101724
E-Book ISBN: 9781501101748
