Zorro: A Novel (P.S.) by Isabel Allende Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Zorro: A Novel (P.S.)
Book Review: A bit of a yawner
Summary: 3 Stars
Zorro has its moments. It's a slowly-paced story where we see occasional glimpses of the dashing hero to come. However, much of the praise here for Isabel Allende's writing is lost on me. I often found it awkward; I didn't see the brilliant turn of phrase for which Ms Allende is lauded. To be fair, though, this is a translation from Spanish, where the writing may well be more lyrical.
While I had a hard time picking this one back up after setting it down, I found that struggling to the half-way point had rewards. The pace picked up somewhat, and the story found some purpose. As Diego de la Vega started to become Zorro, the narrator found her voice, and my eyes didn't grow so weary.
Book Review: A personal favorite
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a pretty avid reader and though I usually stick to non-fiction I have to say that I loved this book. The characters are strong, the plot is compelling, the use of language is beautifully done and it's just fun to read.Book Review: A swashbuckling retelling
Summary: 5 Stars
In the case of "Zorro," by Isabel Allende, fluff and fantasy in the hands of a great writer equals a rollicking good read. Diego is the child of a Spanish gentleman and an Indian woman who captures his heart, and although the marriage is a failure the child goes on to become Zorro, not a bad outcome at all! Diego sits astride two worlds, that of the Catholic, Spanish settlers in California, and the world of his Indian mother and "blood brother" Bernardo, the son of his Indian nurse. Diego enjoys the education of a Spanish gentleman, the spirituality of his mother's people, and a keen desire to right the wrongs he sees around him. His exploits as a young man, the disguise he adopts, and the origin of the name "Zorro" are very entertaining!
Extensive end notes reveal that Allende undertook this project as a purely commercial venture, at the request of the owners of the character "Zorro," much to the horror of her friends. But how daring of a serious novelist--to do something that's just fun! I whipped through the almost 400 pages on a flight home from Spain--how appropriate!--and I couldn't put it down. A great airplane book or summer read.
Book Review: Allende strikes again!
Summary: 5 Stars
Another winner that was surprisingly gripping. My scientist husband grabbed it on the plane when he couldn't find his technical journal and didn't put it down until he finished. I was shocked!Book Review: Enjoy the adventure
Summary: 4 Stars
Isabel Allende is one of the leading lights in literature these days and it's easy to see why. She takes the old pulp story of Zorro and casts it in a new light as a memoir of growing up as Zorro's friend and all of the experiences that might make a person do such a thing as create a secret identity. At the same time she keeps the light-hearted and adventuresome tone that people remember about Zorro, rather than making her novel a draggy "Dark Knight" psychological study. She also blends in extensive history, real-life people and events, and larger social themes such as the role of women in old Spain vs. the colonies and the genocide against the Indians.
My only issue with this book was choice to write the novel as a fictional memoir. Because the narrator (who is very engaging) already knows what happened, the book is mostly narrative summary rather than traditional scenes. Also, there is really no drive or rising action in the narrative.
This was my first book by Isabel Allende. I was a little apprehensive because I often don't like literary fiction, but I was surprised at how accessible her writing was. I enjoyed the ride with "Zorro" and will definitely seek out Allende's other books.
Reviewer: Liz Clare, co-author of the historical novel "To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis & Clark"