About this book
Upton Sinclair's A Prisoner of Morro plunges listeners into the thrilling naval warfare of the Spanish-American War through the eyes of Clif Faraday, a resourceful naval cadet stationed aboard a gunboat off the Cuban coast. Written when Sinclair was just twenty years old and published in 1898, this adventure novel captures the tension and drama of America's ten-week conflict with Spain—a pivotal moment in history that would reshape colonial power in the Western Hemisphere.
As part of the U.S. naval blockade supporting Cuban independence, Clif faces harrowing confrontations at sea and dangerous missions on land. When captured and imprisoned in the infamous Morro fortress, renowned for its brutal conditions, his fate seems sealed. Yet through cunning judgment and unexpected allies, he fights for survival and demonstrates remarkable leadership in the face of impossible odds.
Unlike Sinclair's later muckraking works, A Prisoner of Morro abandons social commentary for pure entertainment—a rollicking sea story brimming with suspense, daring escapes, and high-stakes drama. Originally published under the pseudonym Ensign Clark Fitch, this historical fiction adventure harks back to classic serialized radio dramas where heroes confront life-or-death challenges at every turn. Perfect for listeners who crave swashbuckling naval adventures and historical narratives set during America's rise as a military power.
