The Pearl of the Antilles, or An Artist in Cuba

"The Pearl of the Antilles, or An Artist in Cuba" by Walter Goodman is a late 19th-century travelogue that chronicles the author's journey through Cuba, using his artistic perspective to examine the island's society, culture, and governing structures. The narrative begins with Goodman and his companion, Nicasio Rodriguez y Boldú, arriving in Santiago de Cuba from Florence, where they face initial hurdles with unwelcoming Spanish authorities and bureaucratic procedures. However, this cold reception quickly transforms into a warm embrace as they encounter the generosity and hospitality of the Cuban people, who greet them with feasts and celebrations organized by Nicasio's relatives and acquaintances. This shift exemplifies a key theme of the book, as it tells of Cuban customs, gastronomic habits, and social complexities, all skillfully portrayed through Goodman's artistic storytelling.