Following last year’s Kindle release of her first novel, Ice Cuba, local writer, Rosy Drohan, has now seen her work published in paperback by Amazon.
Cuba has continued to feature in the news. 2016 not only saw the death of
revolutionary leader, Castro, but also the historic visit to Cuba by President Obama, the first by a sitting President in over 85 years. Travel restrictions for US citizens were also eased twice in the year. Guantanamo Bay detention Camp remains open.
The novel is set in the period of US Cuban relations against the background of Guantamano. A romantic trip to the island by a young couple turns rapidly into a tale of double dealing, deceit and the urgent hunt for proof of undisclosed torture. Who is to be trusted by journalists, Meg and Simon? From the heartland of the Cuban revolution, the city of Santiago, the plot moves swiftly to sultry Havana. As a film festival brings crowds to the iconic Hotel Nacional, the chain of events begins to unfold.
Plenty of colourful characters await, not least the enigmatic Gonzalez, Chief of Police, who attempts to take control of the rapidly unfolding and extraordinary events. Ever present is Teresa, the enigmatic young girl from the plane, whose presence influences the couple as she makes her own unmistakeable mark on their visit. And though
vibrant at heart, Cuba is crumbling with a poignant inevitability; this dichotomy provides the inspiration for Ice Cuba. It drives the narrative and lies at the very core of the story.
Rosy, who lives in Marksbury with her husband, donkeys, Shetland pony and cat, has travelled extensively in both the French and English speaking Caribbean, as well as visiting Cuba a number of times.
She has worked in publishing and the book retailing world and enjoys writing. She has been short-listed in both the Frome and Pier Pressure short story competitions. Ice Cuba is her first novel.
When not writing or travelling, Rosy plays the saxophone.