Stephen A Schendel

Stephen A. Schendel is a Stanford University Professor Emeritus of Surgery, internationally recognized craniofacial surgeon, Fulbright Fellow, and award-winning researcher whose lifelong connection to Cuba inspired his debut literary thriller, Hemingway A Car and Cuba: Mystery of the Hidden Manuscript.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Schendel volunteered extensively in Cuba beginning in 1995 during the country’s “Special Period,” providing reconstructive surgery for children and building lasting relationships with the Cuban people. His deep admiration for Ernest Hemingway’s life in Cuba, combined with firsthand conversations with Gregorio Fuentes, captain of Hemingway’s boat The Pilar, inspired the foundation of this novel.

In addition to writing, he enjoys painting, boating, fly fishing, and filmmaking. He co-produced the documentary Yank Tanks, exploring Cuba’s iconic vintage American cars.