Rosy Drohan

Ice Cuba Rosy Drohan

Against the backdrop of Guantanamo, hot and humid Havana is the setting for this political thriller. The plot weaves its way rapidly around key characters, Simon, Meg and Teresa, a child they meet on an internal flight. Simon has agreed to see fellow journalist, José, who has urgent news to convey. But a romantic trip turns rapidly into a tale of double dealing and deceit as they are confounded by José's disappearance. They are unwittingly swept along by Teresa's father, Señor Renaldo, who is hosting the International Film Festival at Hotel Nacional. Meg and Simon search for José and are soon caught up in a trail of corruption and greed. There are difficult choices to be made, choices that test loyalty and friendship. Like the illusory ice palace in the story, things are not always as they seem. Is Simon foolish to trust José? How should Meg deal with the attachment growing between her and Teresa? The child seems uncannily ever present, demanding attention, yet resolutely independent. Renaldo may be vain and self- centred and have little time for his daughter, but is he part of a plot to kidnap the journalist? Frank, a business tycoon from Argentina, is tempted by greed and curiosity but cannot bring himself to turn his back on his old friend, Renaldo. Gonzalez, Chief of Police, has rescued one too many wretched balseros, and, despite heroic efforts to cope, is rapidly approaching a crisis. Arturo, the young musician from Venezuela, wishes to leave his mark upon the world but is his idealism dangerously naïve? And hanging over all, lies the spectre of Guantanamo. There are sinister forces at play. Subterfuge is rife, as is the urge to escape the stricken island. Though vibrant and resolute 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.