The Big Idea

About the Book

In August 1994, more than 30,000 Cubans fled the dictatorship of Fidel Castro's in the hopes that one day; the Cuban people would be free. This stirring memoir relates the harrowing tale of Alfredo Gonzalez, one of many brave and fearless balseros to leave Cuba. It chronicles how an ordinary man, in his unrelenting quest for freedom, built and sailed his balsa into the dark and foreboding ocean. Rescued by the United States Coast Guard, he spent twelve months on Guantanamo Bay. Alfredo's journey from a sunburned frightened, but determined, man on balsa into a confident and joyful person, holding a precious visa will pull at your heartstrings. The Big Idea: Balseros gives the reader an intimate look at the indomitable strength of the human spirit.

About the Author

Alfredo Gonzalez was born in Guantanamo City, Cuba, in 1966. He lived Havana from 1980 until August, 1994 when, because of his concern for human rights and lack democracy, he fled along with others, in a mass exodus.

After his rescue at sea, he remained at the United States, Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay for a year, under the supervision of the U.S. Marines. He entered the United States in August, 1995 and spent nine years in Hartford, CT. He is married and the father of two young children.

His expectation is to continue writing books and become a screenwriter.