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Harbor of Spies


A captivating thriller-at-sea set in Spanish colonial Havana in the 1860s.
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Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

Created: 05/17/18

Replies: 12

Posted May. 17, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?


Posted May. 19, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
peggyt

Join Date: 08/10/17

Posts: 215

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

I thought the most compelling section was when Townsend was taken to his grandmother’s plantation and saw how the slaves were treated there and the experience of going to the slave ship and seeing the slaves being taken and sold right off the ship. He was horrified and realized he could never participate in anything like that.


Posted May. 19, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
AmberH

Join Date: 05/09/18

Posts: 85

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

I knew almost nothing about Cuba and the role of other countries during the Civil War, so found these details very interesting. I had not previously thought about the implications the Civil War had on other countries and which may have been supportive of each side. I enjoyed this glimpse into history.


Posted May. 19, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kimk

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 889

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

I think the novel's historical detail was a definite highlight. My favorite parts were probably the author's descriptions of sailing, which reminded me of Patrick O'Brian's books.


Posted May. 19, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
renem

Join Date: 12/01/16

Posts: 292

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

Since I am not a history buff, especially about the Civil War, I was not aware of the role Havana played. I did enjoy the details of the blockade runners best. Since I have lived on the East Coast and the Gulf areas of the US, I was very familiar with the locations mentioned.


Posted May. 19, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ruthiea

Join Date: 02/03/14

Posts: 271

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

The details about slavery in Cuba were new to me, but I also liked the descriptions of the women in this society, the Ball scenes were fascinating - one night of debauchery with no repercussions!


Posted May. 19, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rebajane

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 320

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

I also did not know about Cuba’s role in the Civil War nor it’s history of slavery so I found that all very interesting


Posted May. 26, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Elizabeth Marie

Join Date: 05/26/18

Posts: 77

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

I enjoy historical novels, but this is the first time I have encountered a story set in this time and place. I love the detailed description of Havana during the Civil War. I could smell the odors at the docks and see the costumes of the men and women at the masquerade ball. The details of the actual blockade also impressed me. I have heard the word, “blockade,” but never considered the ships and the daily experiences of the saailors. I do wish I understood all of the sailing terms!


Posted May. 29, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
miriamb

Join Date: 05/29/18

Posts: 8

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

I thought the historical detail the author wrote made this book come alive. All the details of Havana life helped the story come to life.


Posted May. 30, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
pennyp

Join Date: 03/22/12

Posts: 353

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

I agree with many of the other readers. I was not aware of Cuba’s role in the Civil war. When I mentioned this to my husband, I got a whole lecture on every other countries involvement as well.


Posted Jun. 03, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
PinkLady

Join Date: 01/22/18

Posts: 187

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

The amount of blockade running and the volume of slave trade.


Posted Jun. 03, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
PinkLady

Join Date: 01/22/18

Posts: 187

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

I also loved learning more of the history of Cuba. I've always just thought about what it was like when the American mob and money spent time there, not what it was like so long ago. I had no ideas Cuba was so involved in the Civil War. And I agree with another commenter on the one night of debauchery with no repercussions, that surprised me.


Posted Jun. 10, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lesleyf

Join Date: 05/14/11

Posts: 119

RE: Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

This tale told about the American Civil War from a different viewpoint is just what we need to be reading. New history books are coming out often these days with information about the view from a different perspective that makes so many of us look up and understand better how the world sees things that we believed.


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