Synopsis
The Narrator discovers some 8 millimeter footage of a military debacle which he has tried, unsuccessfully, to forget. From the recollections of a Cuban childhood in a world of sugar plantations, horseback rides, and his new friendship with Armando Perez, who even at a young age possesses the integrity and bravery the Narrator desires within himself are darkened by the political turn their country is about to take. In the capital, studying law at the University of La Habana, the political conscience of the two childhood friends develops when they join an organization established by Padre Raúl San Ramón to address the injustices of their country. The organization is called La Federación de Varela, in honor of Félix Varela, a 19th century holy man who championed social justice. When Fidel Castro finally take over, many members of La Federación believe the democracy he promises will soon be theirs. Soon enough, however, it becomes evident Castro will not share power. Within a year of Castro’s coup, members of La Federación de Varela along with the majority of the country’s educated and wealthy have emigrated. Most flee to Miami where the CIA persuades the men from La Federación to fight for freedom and to overthrow Castro. Known as the Bay of Pigs invasion, the operation is a disaster that the Narrator and his courageous friend, Armando experience first hand. What happens there and the consequences of the Narrator's actions change his life forever. A sweeping saga of a country and it's people, Varela's Man plumbs the darkness of political strife and the darkness that each man must face within himself.
About the Author
Amalia de la Torre was an administrator and educator for twenty-five years. She was born in Cuba during Batista's rule over the island and her family came to the United States to escape Castro's regime when she was seven. Amalia had worked with medical research companies, government agencies, and Catholic dioceses. In addition, she started her own international non-profit, Healing Mercies, to distribute medicines and medical supplies to developing nations. She began her career editing and writing for United Health Maintenance, Inc a large medical corporation now owned by United Health Care. She also served as Senior Editor for a national marketing firm, Survey Research Associates. For five years, Amalia was Rector of Cavanaugh Hall at the University of Notre Dame. Most recently, because of her native fluency in Spanish, she successfully completed work translating and editing for various presses. Amalia had a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from St. Mary's College and a Master's degree in Policy Analysis and Administration from Indiana University in Bloomington.
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