
The narrator arrives at Havana at dawn, the island emerging from the sea like a luminous emerald rising against a deep blue horizon. The hills loom dark and glossy, their foliage a stark contrast to familiar maple‑filled landscapes, evoking a sense of both mystery and immediate romance. As the wind ripples the water and the sky swells with expanding light, the city appears as a solitary flower suspended in air, inviting the traveler to explore its hidden depths.
From this vivid setting the author’s imagination spins a tale set in the seventeenth century, hinting at a fierce woman of mixed Spanish and native heritage caught in the turmoil of pirates and colonial intrigue. The narrative promises a blend of historical detail and psychological insight, promising listeners a richly textured portrait of Havana’s past and the restless spirits that have long haunted its streets.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (253K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images available at The Internet Archive)
Release date
2011-12-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1880–1954
Known for richly detailed, atmospheric novels, he became one of the most widely read American fiction writers of the 1920s. His work often explored luxury, ambition, and the tensions beneath polished social worlds.
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