A gripping story of Cuban émigré Galán Betances and his attempt to reunite with his sister, a dangerous plan that will test Galán’s deep friendship with a young US Coast Guard officer.

“A suspenseful, humane novel, moving in its portrait of families divided by the hostilities of their governments, in this case Cuba and the United States.” ― Tobias Wolff

“What would you risk for a sister, a brother, a friend, a stranger? Mona Passage is one of those rare novels that will expand your heart.” ― Janet Benton, author of Lilli de Jong

“This exciting debut novel brims with elements from Bardenwerper’s days at sea. I recommend it for anyone who wants to understand those souls caught on the edge of the American empire.”— Brian Castner, author of The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life that Follows

Thomas "Buddy" Bardenwerper served for five years in the US Coast Guard. He is currently pursuing a JD and a master’s in public policy at Harvard Law School and the Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government.