Mona Passage: A Novel

Based on the provided content: Mona Passage is a story about two neighbors, Galán Betances and Pat McAllister, who develop a deep friendship based on shared traumas and a common desire to heal. When Galán learns that his sister, Gabriela, is going to be committed to a mental health facility in Cuba, he plans her escape to Puerto Rico. Pat, whose Coast Guard cutter patrols the Mona Passage for drug traffickers and migrants, warns Galán that such a journey will be treacherous and perhaps fatal. Galán hands over all the money he has to a Dominican smuggler, and Gabriela begins her terrifying journey. On a moonless night, two armed vessels converge in the Mona Passage, and three lives change forever.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: Syracuse University Press

Mona Passage is a captivating tale that unfolds in the vibrant streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It revolves around the lives of Galán Betances, a Cuban emigrant, and Pat McAllister, a young Coast Guard officer. Their paths cross when they spend long evenings conversing on the rooftop of their building, Calle Luna, sharing their deepest fears and hopes. Through their conversations, a profound bond develops, rooted in shared traumas and a shared desire for healing.

One day, Galán receives devastating news: his sister, Gabriela, has been diagnosed with a mental illness and is slated to be committed to a mental health facility in Cuba. Determined to save her from the oppressive conditions in their home country, Galán hatches a plan to escape Gabriela to Puerto Rico. However, he soon realizes that this journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty. Pat, Galán's closest friend and fellow Coast Guard officer, warns him of the risks involved, emphasizing the potential for tragedy.

Undeterred by the warnings, Galán embarks on his mission, entrusting all his savings to a Dominican smuggler known to operate in a San Juan nightclub. Gabriela sets out on a terrifying journey, navigating through treacherous waters and risking her life to reach her destination. Pat, haunted by the human suffering he has witnessed at sea, finds himself torn between his duty to his oath and his loyalty to his closest friend.

As the night unfolds, two armed vessels converge in the Mona Passage, setting the stage for a dramatic climax. Three lives are forever altered, as the consequences of Galán's decision reverberate through the hearts of those involved. Mona Passage is a powerful exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the moral dilemmas that arise in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the bonds that can be formed between strangers and the lengths we would go to protect the ones we love.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815611394