Waiting on Zapote Street: Love and Loss in Castro's Cuba

Winner of the 2018 Latino Books Into Movies Award, Drama TV Series.

As the winds of revolution blow through Cuba, Laura Ocampo, a restless university student, defies her upbringing and becomes a supporter of Fidel Castro's rebels. When the hated Batista flees the country, she joins the thousands pouring into the streets to cheer as the bearded rebels, in the backs of trucks, roll into Havana in victory. Laura finds true love with a handsome revolutionary named Rio, and despite her family's pleas, they marry and start a family. But as the government becomes repressive, then brutal, she convinces Rio to leave Cuba while he still can. She plans to follow with their children, but a cruel twist of fate prevents their escape. As the country deteriorates, Laura must fight to protect and provide for her children while continuing to seek a way out. Separated by world politics and the communist regime, Rio and Laura are forced into things they had never imagined-including Santeria and organized crime-in order to survive. The one last chance to reunite their family will be greatest test of courage Laura has ever faced.

"From its opening shocks of loss and separation to its thrilling and emotional conclusion, Waiting on Zapote Street gives us a front-row experience of a Cuban family's hardship, love, and enduring love."—John Henry Fleming, author and University of South Florida Creative Writing professor.

"This touching narrative depicts the harrowing trials, loss and separation that hit one particular family in Cuba when Castro comes to power… The author demonstrates numerous layers of Cuban life and belief… " —Judge, 25th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Public Book Awards."