John H. Cunningham, author of the popular island-hopping Buck Reilly adventure series, has a new novel out today sure to please historical fiction and political enthusiasts alike. Blending history, politics and the power of the human spirit, Cunningham’s latest novel, The Last Raft explores America’s perennially fraught relationship with immigration, and with Cuba – both of which have been exploited for political gain for decades, at the expense of the people from both nations.

Five desperate people flee Cuba aboard a homemade raft following the exodus of 100,000 countrymen. Their collective desperation is woven into a complicated, yet beautiful imbroglio of faith, dreams and desire that in the end will unite or destroy them all.

From a vengeful despot, to self-serving politicians, to everyday people willing to risk everything to start a new life, Cunningham’s characters blend compelling fictional and historical figures. They include:

Juan –Initiating the journey, he sells lies to convince the others to join him on the raft.

Senator Spinelli, who manipulates the emotions of Cuban American dreamers for self-enrichment and power.

Fidel Castro – A double-dealing despot who will stop at nothing to avenge the exodus.

President Winslow –who risks the pinnacle of success to change the future.

Terri Turner – the president’s shrewd Chief of Staff goes into the lion’s den to negotiate what nobody else has been able to do since the Cuban Revolution.

John H. Cunningham is the author of the bestselling, eight book, Buck Reilly adventure series, which includes Red Right Return, Green to Go, Crystal Blue, Second Chance Gold, Maroon Rising, Free Fall to Black, Silver Goodbye and White Knight. With a degree in International Relations from the University of Maryland, John writes stories showcasing many settings that he loves, including Key West, Cuba, Jamaica and multiple Caribbean locations. John splits his time between New York, Virginia and Key West.

The Last Raft is available on Amazon.