Introduction

Based in part on a true story, Havana Harvest follows the maneuvers of two adversarial intelligence services in their attempts to inflict maximum damage on each other as they move through a maze of high-tension suspense.

In Cuba, General Patricio Casas must decide whether to support the revolution he has defended for so many years or do what is good for his people and challenge the selfish authoritarianism of the Castroite regime.

Meanwhile, CIA operative Robert Lonsdale is tasked with determining why a captain in Fidel's army--who recently arrived in Miami with a suitcase full of money--seeks U.S. protection from a Colombian drug cartel and the Cuban secret police. Lonsdale is quickly drawn into a maelstrom of intrigue and murder from which there seems to be no escape--unless he can convince General Casas to help.

Apparently double-crossed by his colleagues and a self-serving Agency director, Lonsdale struggles on alone in an attempt to outfox the shadowy tormentors who intend to silence him forever.

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Excerpt

Chapter One
Friday

George Town, Grand Cayman, British West Indies Captain Francisco Fernandez Ochoa recognized the woman sitting behind the counter as soon as he entered the stationery store. She was striking, even more attractive in real life than in the photo he had seen of her. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. The author of Havana Harvest, Robert Landori, has a very interesting background in Cuba, and was even at one point imprisoned and held in solitary confinement by Fidel Castro on false accusations of espionage. How do you feel this experience contributed to the writing of Havana Harvest?

2. When Fernandez arrived in the United States, the first person he chose to turn to was a distant cousin, Reyes Puma. What is it about the human condition that has us immediately turn to family in times of danger or stress? Who would you turn to in a similar situation?

3. Throughout the novel, there is a theme of the absences of girlfriends and wives. Robert Lonsdale's wife had tragically passed away, Fernandez's wife was estranged and remarried, and Casas' wife left him when he was assigned to further training in communist Russia. Do you feel that the author did this in order to prevent attention from turning away to the main excitement at hand? What are other reasons for the absence of women?

4. The British Secret Intelligence Service refers to the Americans as "cousins." Is there a close friend or acquaintance you have that you feel as close to as a family member? If so, what was it that strengthened your relationship?

5. Havana Harvest is filled with different forms of treachery and double-dealings. With old information, lack of communication, and uncertain political opinions of various characters, much of the book's plot is concerned with making sure all characters are on the same page. Have you ever experienced a time where you were unsure about a friend's intentions? How did you handle the situation?

6. Lonsdale underwent extensive plastic surgery to keep from being recognized in Montreal, Canada, where he and his late wife, Andrea, were attacked while recuperating in a hospital. Have you ever felt that there were aspects of your identity, appearance, or past that you would have rather kept hidden? How did you try to cover them?

7. The question of identity is a large one in Havana Harvest. Why do you feel that personal identity is so important? How would you react to having to change your identity and the life that you have created for yourself?

8. Lawrence Smythe, the Acting Director of Central Intelligence, is upset with Morton for allowing his division to mess with the ongoing investigation the CIA was already proceeding with. What does this say about the importance of teamwork? How would you suggest the two agencies merge together and solve future problems from occurring of this instance?

9. Morton is flabbergasted when he learns that Lawrence Smythe isn't always as good as his word. Why do you feel that trust is so important? Do you feel that you freely trust others, or are you usually holding something back?

Weblinks

»	Author Robert Landori's web site
»	Author Robert Landori's blog
»	Book Reviews

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