Why Did I Write Tundavala?
Imagine being swept away on an African adventure—where hidden treasures, pulse-pounding danger, and unbreakable friendships await. This is the tantalizing promise of my new novel birthed from the most transformative period of my life: four years living in the extraordinary nation of Angola.
The vibrant people, rich culture, and stunning landscapes of Angola left an indelible mark on me and inspired this book. During my time in Luanda, adventure seemed to envelop me, fueling my imagination and driving the creation of The Treasure of Tundavala Gap.
Three Inspirations
1. The Antique Cuban Cigar Box
The first spark for the story came from a beautiful antique Cuban cigar box that sat above my father’s workbench for years. The Garcia y Vega brand was emblazoned across the top, accompanied by the alluring image of a beautiful woman. While the box usually contained screws, washers, and miscellaneous trinkets, it fueled my childhood fantasies. I imagined it harboring old letters, hidden messages, or a crinkled treasure map.
2. Daily Commutes in Luanda
The second source of inspiration emerged during my daily long and chaotic commute. My Angolan days started at 5:00 AM and ended around 7:30 or 8:00 PM, with the return journey offering a unique experience. The chaotic traffic was a test of patience, but the vibrant spectacle of an open market outside my window was captivating. Women and girls balanced towers of goods on their heads, and vendors sold everything from tools to food, toilet seats, and large bags of coke and ice. This bustling market, a testament to entrepreneurship and survival, intrigued me. During the long almost immobile hours, I imagined an underground network responsible for these goods. Dimly lit warehouses where shadowy figures collected money—a hint at a criminal organization profiting from smuggled goods.
3. The Angolan Civil War
The third and most profound influence was the tragic backdrop of the Angolan Civil War. Fidel Castro’s dispatch of 36,000 troops in a bid for global influence left a lasting impact on me. I often pondered the fate of those Cuban soldiers, fighting in a foreign land. This led me to vividly imagine the experiences of a Cuban Colonel, which eventually became the character of Colonel Juan Mateus de Silva, and his grandson, Mateus.
The Perfect Storm
The fusion of these three factors—the family Cuban cigar box, Luanda’s bustling open markets, and a Cuban soldier’s story—created the perfect storm for The Treasure of Tundavala Gap. Through this book, I endeavor to transport readers to the wonders of Angola while spinning an unforgettable of mystery, adventure, and unbreakable friendships forged amid escalating peril.
A Piece of My Heart
Angola will always hold a piece of my heart. It is my fervent hope that in turning these pages, you’ll experience the same profound sense of adventure and love for this remarkable land that I discovered during my journey.
Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with Mateus, Tay, and Romiana. Unravel the mysteries of Tundavala Gap and experience a story filled with danger, friendship, and the discovery of hidden heroes.
