Archibald Clavering Gunter
Don Balasco Key Westistä: Nykyajan kertomus Kuubasta
"Don Balasco Key Westistä: Nykyajan kertomus Kuubasta" by Archibald Clavering Gunter is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Thomas Duff Mastic, a United States customs officer, who embarks on a mission to Key West to work under a local cigar manufacturer, señor Estrabon Balasco. The narrative touches on themes of espionage, loyalty, and the complex political climate surrounding Cuba's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. At the start of the novel, the sleepy town of Tampa serves as the backdrop for Mastic's unexpected assignment, leading him to Key West. Frustrated by the vague nature of his orders, he contemplates his new role amidst a web of espionage. The opening chapters introduce several key characters, including the young siblings Rex and Gertrud Vanstone, who are on their way to meet their father in Key West, and Balasco himself, who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama that intertwines their lives with political intrigue. As Mastic observes the interactions around him, he begins to uncover deeper conspiracies and the potential dangers that lie ahead, setting the stage for a taut and engaging story.