by Isabel Allende (read September 2006)Rating: 3.75/5
This was an enjoyable read, but not great. Allende told of Zorro's parentage and boyhood, which help us understand the man behind the mask. I liked that. Even though we know that the sum of his experiences, ideology, and acquaintances helped to shape him into the man who fought injustice, in this novel we were able to see what those were. In fact, this novel was about his youth up to the age of 20-something. Just a mention of his life as an older man.
10 comments:
So do you picture him to look like Antonio Banderas? (I just watched the movie, he's hot) I had thought about putting this down as my "Z", but the review I read was much like yours so I kept looking. I'm glad I won't have to dither about this one.
Did you find 'magical realism' or women's issues in this book of Allende's? I'm curious, because she's such a feminist, and I just finished The House of Spirits.
To me, Zorro is so macho I wonder how she deals with him.
I really wanted to love this book. Loved the imagery and the language, but it wasn't fully satisfying for me, either.
Okay, maybe I need to try this book again because I couldn't get back the first 100 pages, and I LOVE Allende's books. Maybe I didn't read long enough...
She has a new book coming out in November! And I am not done Zorro. That's weird for me
(bellezza - There is a movie version of House of the Spirits in case you are interested)
Your comments are very interesting; I have not read many of Allende's works, but those I have read, I've enjoyed. This won't be the next one I pick up!
I have a copy of "Zorro" here on my bookshelf and I bought it only because I love Isabel Allende's writing, but now that you're not so excited over the book, I probably won't be in too much of a hurry to read it.
Thanks for the fine review, booklogged.
I've not read Isabel Allende's work, but I did hear her give a great interview once and thought I ought to try her...sounds like I'll start with one of her other books. Great blog by the way!
Framed, I did not picture his as supremely good-looking as Antonio Banderas. He was handsome, indeed, but not that handsome in the book. I may have to watch Zorro again because I don't remember it all that well. I do remember that I liked it.
Bellezza, a bit of magical realism, yes. However, the story Allende wrote of Zorro's youth explains, quite realistic, his introduction to people, experiences and skills that would serve him in his adult quest for justice. His heroic stunts were usually quite believeable. Not only were his skills well honed, but there was usually a bit of luck involved. As for 'women's issues' - I think Zorro's mother was the figurehead of women's rights. Although she was stifled in her marriage more because of her culture than the fact that she was a woman. As for Zorro being so macho = this book focus with his youth when he is still a bit unsure of himself. He's still becoming, so to speak. That part was quite endearing actually.
Kailana, I don't know that you need to give it another chance. Heck, there are so many other really good books out there. I'd say just let this one go. I still need to read House of the Spirits, but then I want to watch the movie.
Traveller, this is only the second Allende book I've read. I can't remember the title of the first, but I think it may have been the first she wrote and I liked it better. I've heard lots of good things about some of her other books.
Lotus, save your copy of Zorro for someday when it calls to you. I look at all my books and think they will serve me well if ever I can't get to the store or library, I will have something to read. That's my rationalization so I don't feel guilty about them. Whatever works, huh?!
Dawn, Good idea to start with one of her other books.
booklogged, I like what you wrote in response to my question. It makes me want to look into Zorro.
Zorro is a legend that brings back many childhood memories for me.
Hope you are well, Booklogged.
love
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