Zorro - Softcover

Allende, Isabel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007201982 ISBN 13: 9780007201983

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2006

Synopsis

Bestselling author Isabel Allende’s first adult novel since ‘Portrait in Sepia’ – beautiful, disturbing and atmospheric.

Beneath the mask, there is a man. And in his heart burns the fire of injustice ...

Duels at dawn, fierce battles with pirates and impossible rescues – these are the deeds that forged the legend of Zorro. But where did the man begin?

Southern California, late 18th century: Diego de la Vega is a child of two worlds, his father an aristocratic Spaniard, his mother a Shoshone warrior. Growing up he witnesses the brutual injustices dealt to Native Americans. Later, following the example of his fencing master, the young Diego joins a secret movement devoted to helping the powerless. His first steps on the road to heroism have been taken.

But a great rival will emerge from the ranks of the cruel oppressors. How will Zorro defeat him? And will his childhood sweetheart Isabel claim the prize she so longs for – his true love?

About this title

Review:

If admirers of the exquisitely talented novelist Isabel Allende had to pick the least likely subject for a novel by her, it would probably be the swashbuckling yarn Zorro. But that's exactly what Allende has tackled, and with her first adult novel since 2001’s Portrait in Sepia--and the result (against all the odds) is a conspicuous success.

It is, after all, something of a surprise that Allende proves herself so adept at a novel chronicling the adventures of this masked superhero figure of the old world. In such books as her signature novel The House of the Spirits, the author's territory has been the careful and insightful delineation of human character against richly atmospheric settings. Swashbuckling adventure has hardly been her metiér, but in some ways Zorro proves to be a more successful resurrection of the much-loved tale than the rather self-conscious Antonio Banderas movie incarnation.

Diego de la Vega is a man caught between two societies: he inherits his aristocratic background from his Spanish father, a high-ranking military officer who has become a landowner. His mother, however was a Shosone Indian, and it is from his Indian grandmother that he absorbs Indian ways, while achieving the unparalleled swordsmanship skills of his father. As his country suffers under the yoke of Napoleon's autocratic rule, Diego becomes a member of la Justicia, an underground movement dedicated to the overthrow of the tyrant. He then finds himself called upon to use his warrior skills to deliver those around him--and to confront a deadly rival.

Of necessity, the character drawing here has to be on a larger scale than we are used to from Allende, but she is still able to freight much of her subtle observation into the colourful canvas that is Zorro. Will her long-time admirers be able to accept such a radical change of pace from the author of The House of the Spirits? If they can't, they are doing themselves a disservice--and those addicted to novels of high adventure can add a new title to their lists.--Barry Forshaw

Review:

'Beautiful and disturbing and profound...told in Allende's characteristically dizzying style' Guardian

'Heroism doesn't come more mysterious or more dashing ... Pacey and atmospheric, this is a tale of love, rivalry and the pursuit of justice' Mail on Sunday

'The swashbuckling Zorro takes on new life in Allende's saga...never less than entertaining.' Sunday Times

'Isabel Allende leaves few swashes unbuckled as she gives Diego's saga a smooth, limpid flow. Highly entertaining' Independent

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0007201982
• ISBN 13: 9780007201983
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 400