When Santiago Fell; or, The War Adventures of Two Chums

Two inseparable friends set off from a quiet New York academy for a summer in Cuba, expecting only exotic scenery and a taste of plantation life. When they arrive, the island is roiled by the fierce Cuban fight for independence, and a Spanish officer’s terse orders send them scrambling through a city under siege. Their bond is tested as they navigate rickety streets, guarded checkpoints, and the looming threat of battle, all while trying to find shelter and help a wounded father.

Through vivid, on‑the‑ground encounters, the story paints a raw picture of a country in turmoil—sugar fields turned battlefields, civilians caught in the crossfire, and the sudden shift from carefree adventure to desperate survival. Listeners will feel the heat of tropical conflict, the courage of ordinary youths thrust into history, and the enduring spirit of friendship that keeps them moving forward.