The Key West Rose - Paperback

by Consuelo E. Stebbins (Author)

The Key West Rose is a historical novel that is set in Key West and Cuba during Cuba's War of Independence: 1895-1898. The young idealistic, insurgent soldier, Pablo, leaves his beautiful girlfriend, Rosa, in Key West after promising to marry her when he returns from the war. When he returns to Key West in 1898, he learns that Rosa is married to the foreman of the Seidenberg Cigar Factory, creating the tale of a classic love triangle. Vintage pictures of Key West and Cuba were added to the manuscript to transport the reader back to late 19th century. Colorful characters, cultural events, and humor blend with historical facts to add authenticity to the original story.

The Key West Rose provides readers with a first-hand account of the war and the sacrifices made by the rebels during their military campaign. Ill-equipped with only their machetes, often hungry, and constantly on the move, the insurgents managed to defeat the powerful Spanish army. The protagonist, Pablo, describes key battles fought and times spent with the local farmers in the countryside, who provided the weary soldiers with food and rest. As a member of the Key West Expedition, Pablo's unit was assigned to the vanguard to operate the artillery, and there he formed a strong bond with other expeditionary soldiers as they fought together during the war and afterwards as they rebuilt their civilian lives.