About Renaldo

James McCreath’s thrilling novel Renaldo tells the saga of three generations of the De Seta family of Buenos Aires. From the sweeping plains of the Pampas in 1898 to the corridors of power in the modern day capital, the story ultimately focuses on young soccer prodigy Renaldo De Seta as he strives to make Argentina’s 1978 World Cup team.

As a result of saving the life of a wealthy lawyer, Renaldo is brought into the web of intrigue spun by this Astor Gordero, the most influential man in Argentina. Through Gordero he meets the woman of his dreams, the nation’s reining pop diva, Simone Yvonne Montanna Carta Aqua, the seemingly unreachable Symca.

At the same time, Renaldo’s older brother Lonfranco has also come under an erotic spell — though one with less worthy intent: a Montonero terrorist posing as a university tutorial instructor. The entire De Seta clan suffers and triumphs in this meticulously researched work of historical fiction. It’s a novel that resonates with the real-world politics of the country and the real-life faith, hope and passion of its author’s fateful life.

To read the first chapter, click here.

CHARACTERS

Renaldo De Seta

Eighteen-year-old soccer prodigy who saves the life of influential lawyer, Astor Gordero. As a reward for his heroics, Renaldo is given a tryout with Argentina’s soccer team. A shy, yet strikingly handsome adonis, Renaldo’s fortunes ebb and flow until he stands ready to meet his ultimate challenge on the green turf of River Plate Stadium.

Lonfranco (”Lonnie”) De Seta

Renaldo’s twenty-two-year-old brother. Angry, restless, and vulnerable, the university student throws aside his extravagant lifestyle to descend into the depths of terrorism when he falls in love with his manipulative tutorial instructor.

Astor Gordero (”The Fat Man”)

Powerful, ruthless, and intimately connected to the ruling elite of the nation. Gordero sees opportunity in his relationship with young Renaldo — opportunity he hopes will not only bring Argentina a world soccer championship, but give him control of the De Seta financial empire.

Simone Yvonne Montana Carta-Aqua (”Symca”)

Argentina’s reigning pop idol, a client of Astor Gordero, and the object of Renaldo’s pent-up lust. Their romantic relationship fills the young soccer player with inspiration and anticipation… of consummating their love affair.

Celeste Lavalle

A Montonero terrorist posing as a university teaching assistant. She casts an erotic spell on Lonnie De Seta, then conscripts him into her family-run cadre of saboteurs and killers.

Sir Reginald Russell

English aristrocrat, Royal Marine, World War Two hero, and chairman of the first division Canary Wharf Football Club of London. It is his desire to keep the newly promoted “Canaries” respectable that sends him to Argentina during the World Cup in search of new talent.

Mallory Russell

Sir Reginald’s shrewd and beautiful daughter, she is the real brains behind the Canary Wharf resurgence. Once she lays eyes on Renaldo’s abundant talent and poster-boy good looks, there is no doubt in her mind that she must have this handsome specimen for her football team… and her bed!