The Cuban Affair Book Summary - The Cuban Affair Book explained in key points

The Cuban Affair summary

Brief summary

The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille is a thrilling novel that follows Mac, a former army officer turned charter boat captain, as he gets entangled in a dangerous scheme to recover hidden treasure in Cuba. Filled with suspense and political intrigue, it's a captivating read.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    The Cuban Affair
    Summary of key ideas

    Undercover Mission to Cuba

    In The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille, we meet Daniel MacCormick, a former army combat veteran who now earns his living as a charter boat captain in Key West. Mac, as he's known, is approached by a Cuban-American woman named Sara Ortega and her associate Eduardo Valazquez. They propose a daring scheme: to retrieve $60 million hidden in Cuba during the revolution and split it four ways. Mac is initially hesitant but is eventually lured in by the promise of adventure and, of course, the money.

    The group plans to pose as tourists and enter Cuba on a fishing trip. Once there, they will locate the treasure and smuggle it back to the US. To make their cover story more convincing, Mac and Sara pretend to be a couple, and they even plan to spend a few days after the fishing trip exploring the island. Despite his initial skepticism, Mac finds himself drawn to Sara, and the two begin to develop genuine feelings for each other.

    Unforeseen Complications

    Once in Cuba, the group faces several challenges. They are constantly monitored by a Cuban intelligence officer, who is suspicious of their true intentions. Mac and Sara, who are supposed to be a couple, have to maintain their act while hiding their real motives from the others. To make matters worse, they discover that the $60 million is stored in a heavily guarded mansion, and retrieving it will be no easy feat.

    As the group tries to come up with a plan, they are forced to deal with the increasing tension among themselves. Eduardo, who has his own personal agenda, begins to act unpredictably, and the situation becomes increasingly dangerous. Mac and Sara's feelings for each other continue to grow, but they are constantly reminded of the impossibility of a future together, given their circumstances.

    Escape and Betrayal

    After a series of daring maneuvers, the group finally manages to get their hands on the money. However, their escape is not as smooth as they had hoped. They are pursued by the Cuban authorities, and a thrilling chase ensues. Just when it seems like they are in the clear, Eduardo reveals his true colors and betrays the others, leaving them to fend for themselves.

    In a desperate attempt to survive, Mac and Sara are forced to part ways. Mac makes it back to the US with a portion of the money, but Sara is captured by the Cuban authorities. Alone and haunted by the events in Cuba, Mac is left with a bittersweet victory. He has the money he had always dreamed of, but at a great cost.

    Aftermath and Reflection

    In the end, Mac reflects on the events that transpired in Cuba. He realizes that the allure of the treasure had clouded his judgment, and he had failed to see the true danger of the mission. He also mourns the loss of Sara and the possibility of a life they could have had together. Despite the money, Mac finds himself empty and disillusioned.

    The Cuban Affair is a gripping tale of adventure, betrayal, and self-discovery. It explores the consequences of chasing after our desires without considering the cost. Mac's journey serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that some treasures are not worth the price we have to pay to obtain them.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is The Cuban Affair about?

    The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille is a thrilling novel that takes readers on an action-packed adventure in Cuba. The story follows a former Army infantry officer turned charter boat captain, who is hired to smuggle a group of people out of Cuba. As the mission unfolds, he becomes entangled in a web of deception, political intrigue, and dangerous secrets. With its gripping plot and vivid descriptions, this book offers a compelling glimpse into the complex world of international relations.

    The Cuban Affair Review

    The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille (2017) follows the thrilling journey of a down-on-his-luck charter boat captain who gets tangled up in a dangerous scheme involving hidden treasure in Cuba. Here's why this book is worth your time:
    • Featuring intriguing plot twists and high-stakes adventure, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
    • The rich descriptions of Cuba's vibrant culture and turbulent history add depth and authenticity to the story.
    • With its well-developed characters and witty dialogue, the book offers a perfect blend of suspense and entertainment, ensuring it never gets dull.

    Who should read The Cuban Affair?

    • Readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed thrillers

    • Those with an interest in Cuban culture and politics

    • People looking for a captivating and suspenseful story with well-developed characters

    About the Author

    Nelson DeMille is a renowned author with a career spanning several decades. He has written numerous bestselling novels, many of which fall into the thriller and suspense genres. DeMille's works often feature complex characters and intricate plots, drawing readers into gripping and immersive storytelling. Some of his notable books include "The Charm School," "The General's Daughter," and "The Lion's Game." With his skillful writing and ability to create intense narratives, DeMille has captivated readers around the world.

    Categories with The Cuban Affair

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    38 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    The Cuban Affair FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Cuban Affair?

    The main message of The Cuban Affair revolves around intrigue, adventure, and the pursuit of hidden treasures.

    How long does it take to read The Cuban Affair?

    The reading time for The Cuban Affair varies based on the reader's pace, but typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in approximately 15 minutes.

    Is The Cuban Affair a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Cuban Affair is a captivating read for those who enjoy suspense and exotic settings. It offers a thrilling storyline that keeps readers engaged.

    Who is the author of The Cuban Affair?

    The author of The Cuban Affair is Nelson DeMille.

    What to read after The Cuban Affair?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Cuban Affair, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
    • In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
    • The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
    • I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
    • A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
    • ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
    • Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
    • Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
    • The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
    • Genome by Matt Ridley