"Out of the modern-day dystopia of Cuba comes an instant classic from the island's most celebrated science fiction author.
A Planet for Rent draws parallels between '90s Cuba and a possible Earth of the not-so-distant future. Wracked by economic and environmental problems, the desperate plant is rescued, for better or worse, by alien colonizers, who remake the planet as a tourist destination. Ruled over by a brutal interstellar bureaucracy, dispossessed humans seek better lives via the few routes available: working for the colonial police, eking out a living as black marketeers, drug dealers, or artists; prostituting themselves to exploitative extra-terrestrial visitors - or facing the cold void of space in rickety illegal ships." (back cover)
"The first book by the father of Cuban science fiction to be translated into English, this mesmerizing novel, reminiscent of Arthur C. Clarke's 2001, A Space Odyssey, is a science-fiction survival story that captures the intense pressures-economic, ideological and psychological-inside Communist Cuba.
A Legend of the Future takes place inside a spaceship on a groundbreaking mission to Titan, one of Saturn's moons; back home, a final conflict between warring superpowers threatens the fate of the Earth. When disaster strikes the ship, the crew members are forced into a grand experiment in psychological and emotional conditioning, in which they face not just their innermost fears, but the ultimate sacrifice[their very humanity." (back cover)
...and with a story yet to unfold came Humphrey, a nine week old Labrador puppy who called my husband's name. We could not resist this tired boy, of whom I shall probably write more when I get to know him better. For now, let me say he is a sweet addition to this home of ours.
As for your mailbox, did you find any translated literature? Any wet noses? Any spectacular surprises you wish to share?
