Concrete Wings: One Man's Fifty Year Journey to Personal Freedom

By Beverly Gandara

Book Overview

Torn between protecting family secrets and striving for freedom, a na ve teen on the verge of manhood, sent out of Cuba on the eve of the Bay of Pigs Invasion to retrieve smuggled family jewels comes of age at the height of the sexual revolution in America.

Untouched by cynicism but standing on the threshold of manhood, Julian is set on a clandestine quest to recover his family's smuggled treasures and settle his family in America. This formidable task leads him to the pulsating heart of New York City during the peak of the sexual revolution, setting the stage for a journey of self-discovery and the search for freedom. As he explores the intricate tapestry of life in this new world, he finds himself amidst a cultural awakening, experiencing the exhilaration of personal liberty and the complexities of love and identity.

In this vibrant yet tumultuous setting, he forges his path, earning his independence in a land brimming with opportunity and challenge. However, the arrival of his traditional parents, carrying the weight of their own prejudices and refusing to blend with the American mosaic, introduces a stark contrast to his newly found freedoms. The clash of cultures and generations deepens the narrative, presenting obstacles that test his resilience and determination.

Through trials and triumphs, this young man's odyssey is a reflection on the essence of freedom, the price of loyalty, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It's a vivid exploration of the immigrant experience, highlighting the relentless pursuit of the American Dream against the backdrop of historical and personal upheaval. This story not only charts the protagonist's physical journey from Cuba to the United States but also his emotional voyage from innocence to maturity, illuminating the profound truth that success is not always measured by what one becomes, but often by what one overcomes.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0997140607
• ISBN13: 9780997140606
• Release Date: March 2016
• Publisher: Beverly Gandara
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"