The Five Seekers
This fictional story, interwoven with historical facts, portrays the experiences of many families who left Cuba, embodied in five children who migrated unaccompanied to the U.S. through Operation Pedro Pan (Peter Pan). This clandestine operation relocated over 14,000 unaccompanied minors at risk of indoctrination. The novel's characters undergo transformative experiences that shape their identities, fuel their love for Cuba, and ignite their anger towards those who dismantled what was once a thriving nation until 1959. Through flashbacks, readers discover their adventures filled with intrigue, espionage, and romance, tracing their journeys from an orphanage to becoming successful, educated men and women driven to reclaim the freedom they now cherish and restore democracy to their homeland.
Rolando M. Ochoa, born in Havana and a political refugee since 1962, has long yearned for Cuba's liberation. Although he proudly served in the U.S. during the Vietnam War and has been afforded numerous opportunities, his heart remains set on witnessing Cuba emerge as a democratic nation. After transitioning from military service to a 41-year career in banking, Ochoa also embraced a parallel path as a college professor until his retirement in 2019. He earned both a Master's degree in 1999 and a Doctorate in 2009, focusing on management. Inspired by his deep desire for a Free Cuba, he wrote this book as a reflection of firsthand Cuban history and potential pathways to freedom. He now lives in Florida with his wife and has nurtured six children.