The secret of the cigar queen

The Secret of the Cigar Queen is the new book by Annette Meisl. She spent a lot of time researching it. In an interview with me, she gives us a glimpse behind the scenes. May I dare to say it: this novel is a masterpiece, and for every cigar lover, this book is a must-have near their humidor.

5 minutes

I'm really looking forward to this novel.

The interview with the cigar queen

You put a lot of time into the research. What insights did you discover in the process? I mean, not just for the development of the protagonists' characters, but also for you personally?

A wonderful question. The protagonist Anna is not only my ancestor, but my alter ego. I discovered parallels in her character and life story, so it doesn't matter that she lived in the middle of the 19th century. In all the years of intensive research, partly in Cuba itself, I immersed myself deeper and deeper in the subject of tobacco, cigars, Cuba, Latin America, colonialism and so on. This is how I became the expert I am today and allowed myself to be seduced by tobacco more and more. I am interested in the whole culture surrounding this plant, which is still referred to as the „master plant“ by the indigenous peoples. It was definitely that for me: my master and my La Galana.

Which key scene in the book is the one that touches your heart the most?

When Anna meets her father at some point. That has great significance for me. That's why I dedicated the book to my uncle, who emigrated to America in the 1950s and whom I call the „father of my heart“. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and it's nice if we are prepared to accept them.

Annette Meisl is the cigar queen of Cologne. Her cigar parlour LA GALANA enjoys a worldwide reputation!

Your new book „The Secret of the Cigar Queen“ is really a book? Something you can touch and leaf through? Are books still being produced today in the age of artificial intelligence?

As a sensual person, I naturally have to be able to touch a book! I love it when books smell of fresh print, then I stick my nose in and take a deep breath. And then smoke a fine cigar, what more could you want?

Is it also available as an eBook?

Of course, the e-book is a must these days. People jet around the world and download a novel at the airport, which they then devour in the queue.

Where can you buy it?

At Amazon you can E-Book pre-order.

At La Galana you can Print book pre-order.

A unique event is taking place on 17/08/2013. What is it about?

The management of the renowned Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz in Cologne (formerly the Millowitsch Theatre) has invited me to reveal the secret of my cigar queen on their stage. The fantastic Cuban singer and multi-instrumentalist Ney Portales will provide hot Caribbean rhythms. Nicholas von der Nahmer, a young, highly talented jazz pianist whose great-grandfather was once Cologne's first general music director, will accompany me on the grand piano. I don't just roll cigars, run a company and travel through world history... I also sing with enthusiasm and have composed some of the songs especially for the occasion.

What tip would you like to give the readers of this interview?

No matter how bad life gets sometimes, we should never lose hope. I have lost a lot in my life. The love of my life, trust in people who were important to me, my existence. The road to becoming the woman I am today was long and rocky. And yet I have always believed that there is a gift hidden in every catastrophe, even if it sometimes takes a long time to discover it. My novel is meant to give hope. And if you don't know what to do next, just light a fine cigar and ponder the clouds of smoke before they evaporate into the sky...

Isn't that nice? Dear Annette, thank you very much for your time ❤️

La Galana cigar parlour of world renown

Resources on the topic

At Amazon you can E-Book pre-order

At La Galana you can Print book pre-order

La Galana cigar parlour in Cologne

This might also interest you

Annette Meisl and her review of the film „In the Heart of Havana“

I hope you enjoyed my latest article and found the information it contained interesting. I am very excited to hear your views and look forward to reading your comments 🤗