The Light of a Cuban Son

In this semi-autobiographical novel set in mid 20th century Cuba, Lorenzo Chavez reveals the moving story of a boy determined to stay true to who he is and find happiness against all odds.

Told in a series of first-person vignettes, Martín's story covers a wide swath of the Cuban landscape and people, taking us from the lush greens and fertile soils of the countryside to the dark underbelly of a Havana as full of depravity as it is neon lights.

After suffering a series of heartbreaking abuses, Martín struggles to find his way and claim his identity as a young gay man in an impoverished neighborhood.

When the Revolution slowly begins to claim everything Martín holds dear, he takes a desperate leap of faith-one that could cost him his life.

Martín's coming of age story is one of courage and the rebirth of a brave young man who refuses to hide his light.

ISBN-13: 9781611534351

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Torchflame Books

Publication Date: 04-26-2022

Pages: 290

Product Dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.65(d)

For as long as he can remember Lorenzo has been an observer, an explorer, and a storyteller.​As a young boy and inspired by old Hollywood movies such as Robin Hood or Prince Valiant, he penned extraordinary tales of heroes rescuing loved ones in distress. ​But most of all, he cherished writing about the summers at his maternal grandparent's farm where no one bullied him and no man ever desired him. ​Alone there, surrounded by Cuba's beautiful countryside, away from the chaos of his Havana home, he would discover his perseverance and strength.He arrived in New York City at seventeen after a two-year exile in Spain without any money, not knowing the language, and lacking the skills to step into a world unlike anything that he had ever known. Against a mountain of obstacles, Lorenzo found a way to make his new country home, attend college, and build a professional and personal life for himself.Today, he lives in Virginia with his husband of over twenty-five years and a spirited Corgi Mix named Lucy Honeychurch in honor of E. M. Forster's A Room with a View.