Season 10, Episode 6 - Mirta Ojito

Written By Colin Mustful

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Mirta Ojito, author of Deeper Than the Ocean. Mirta shares the real-life shipwreck that inspired her novel and discusses the dual timelines of her story, following Catalina, an early 20th-century immigrant, and Mara, a modern journalist. The conversation explores themes of migration, family secrets, and the enduring impact of history, blending personal experience with historical research to bring forgotten stories to light.

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About the Author

Mirta Ojito is a journalist, professor, and author of two non-fiction books. She received an Emmy for the documentary Harvest of Misery and shared a Pulitzer for national reporting at The New York Times. A Cuban refugee, her work explores identity, belonging, and resilience. Now based in Coral Gables, Florida, she is inspired by her three sons and many plants. Deeper than the Ocean is her first novel. Ojito is currently a senior director for News Standards at NBCUniversal.

A moving multigenerational novel about the enduring power of a mother's love, the ripple effect of secrets, and the strength of family bonds…

In 1919, Catalina Quintana leaves her home in the Canary Islands for Cuba after tragedy strikes, boarding the ill-fated Valbanera. A century later, journalist Mara Denis returns to La Palma, uncovering family secrets and her great-grandmother Catalina’s story of love and loss. Spanning Spain, Cuba, and Key West, Deeper than the Ocean weaves a dual narrative of resilience, motherhood, and the power of the past—perfect for fans of Isabel Allende, Julia Alvarez, and Kristin Hannah.

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Colin Mustful

Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction, an independent press dedicated to publishing historical narratives rooted in factual events and compelling characters. A celebrated author and historian whose novel “Reclaiming Mni Sota” recently won the Midwest Book Award for Literary/Contemporary/Historical Fiction, Mustful has penned five historical novels that delve into the complex eras of settler-colonialism and Native American displacement. Combining his interests in history and writing, Mustful holds a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enjoys running, playing soccer, and believes deeply in the power of understanding history to shape a just and sustainable future.

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Season 10, Episode 7 - Carol M. Cram
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Season 10, Episode 5 - Loretta Ellsworth