≡ [PDF] Free Zorro LP A Novel Isabel Allende 9780060787219 Books

Zorro LP A Novel Isabel Allende 9780060787219 Books

Download As PDF : Zorro LP A Novel Isabel Allende 9780060787219 Books

Zorro LP A Novel Isabel Allende 9780060787219 Books

Having found Allende's most recent works of fiction to be lifeless, I purchased Zorro with more than a little trepidation. But, to my pleasant surprise, Zorro proved that Allende still has good fiction to share with her readers.

Two qualities made this book stand out from her other recent fiction offerings. First, Allende made a smart choice by focusing the story on Zorro's origin. By writing about these early adventures, Allende was able to take the reader into new territory with a character whose potential for original tales was seemingly exhausted. Second, she had fun with the character by finding that emotional connection she needs to write effectively. That fun was easily conveyed onto the page, thereby providing the reader with an entertaining, emotional story.

There is still room for improvement in this book. It gets more than a bit monotonous when every female character is portrayed as a strong, noble creature whose talents are unappreciated by insensitive males. And, the portrayal of Native Americans seemed a little too politically correct. But, these shortcomings don't overcome the book's energetic narrative and strong pacing. By providing a fresh, enjoyable take on a classic character, Zorro is the best fiction that Allende has written in several years.


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Zorro LP A Novel Isabel Allende 9780060787219 Books Reviews

The beginning of the book was very rich in history, American and European. The characters were well-developed and delightful. The last part of the story seemed very contrived and more like "pulp fiction". I think the author was stretching to fit a believable character into a well-known legendary figure in this novel. Too bad, as the story could have ended in a way to make the book memorable.
I have read with mixed emotions the different reviews by my fellow readers. Now, The Raven is known for a picky review. But bear with me on this. I found the story at times very exciting, at times full of scenes I felt were not really necessary, and somewhat overwhelming in details. So then, why do I rate it four stars? Because the book deserves four stars!

1. Notice the title page. See the words, "Transalated from the Spanish by Margaret Sayers Peden"? Allende wrote for her intended audience. And I remembered reading Don Quixote, Cervantes' classic, and encountering the same problems. Therefore, the fault lies not in the writing, but in Anglo failure to appreciate the same things Spanish people cherish. It's a cultural thing. I then could enjoy the story, as I did Don Quixote, by trying to understand cultural differences. Expand your horizons. Don't be narrow-minded.

2. When Johnston McCully created Zorro, he worried more about the heroic character, not historical accuracy. As a student of old West history (which you don't find in most history books!), I agree that Allende's Spanish California is more accurate.

3. Zorro became more than a fictional character, he became legend. Did you think that Zorro entered the world in full costume, sword in hand, already astride Tornado? All heroes have to have a birth, parents, and a point at which they decide to become said hero, and a cause for which to fight. Allende finally gives us the true tale, and wonderfully done. Bravo! Ole!

One last point, Senorita Allende. Nice artist conception of yourself as the Isabel of the story! Or did you really think we were all loco, and would fail to catch on, eh? Quoth the Raven...
I am an Allende fan and one who owned the Zorro costume for much of my childhood. I very much looked forward to being swept into the world of Don Diego de la Vega and the rancheros of Old California and hoped the narrative might move into occasionally magical mythology. I enjoyed the novel, but put it down without having been transported... probably too much to ask on a regular basis. I will confess a long-standing fondness for pot-boiling hyperbolic fun and probably came at the novel expecting a romp that would restore my childhood wide-eyed wonder.
"Zorro" is the story of the epic adventures of a young man and his friends during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Diego is the son of a Spanish hidalgo and a Native American. His father, sent to Spanish California to serve as mayor of the colony, met his mestizo mother during a raid she lead to free captured Native Americans from the catholic missionary that held them. Moved by Toypurnia's beauty and bravery, Alejandro helps Toypurina escape from prison and releases her to the wife of one of Spain's most elite citizens and governor of the colony. Under years of Eulalia's tutelage, Toypurnia is renamed Regina, and is taught all the ways and manners of the Spanish elite. Meanwhile, Alejandro's love for the Indian beauty grows with her absence. When the two meet again, Regina's refined mannerisms and Alejandro's growing love result in a marriage that produces an only son, Diego. Born on the same day as Diego is another boy, son of an Indian servant to Alejandro and Regina. The two boys, Diego and Bernardo, become fast friends and consider themselves brothers, their social status and the roles it dictate being the only thing that separate them.

As the boys mature, their bond grows stronger. Both endure the horrors of a pirate raid on the family hacienda and right of passage trials from which they emerge as men. As is customary with the Spanish elite, Diego, accompanied by Bernardo as his servant, is sent to Spain during his adolescence to study. While being educated in the School of Humanities, Diego also studies fencing under the guidance of the most notable dueling instructor of the time. It is during Deigo's years in Spain that his eyes are opened to the injustices of the rich at the expense of the poor; the corruption of the Spanish government and the violent punishments dispensed by catholic inquisitors. It is also in Spain that Diego declares his undying and unrequited love for the beautiful and delicate Juliana.

As the novel unfolds, the author pulls the reader from one adventure to another. Like all Alllende novels, this story is filled with the magic and mysticism of ancient cultures. The characters are richly drawn, my favorites being Bernardo and Isabel; the later of whom I will not mention much about in this account, better that you come to know her on your own. I especially appreciate that in Allende's retelling of "Zorro", characters that would typically be marginalized to create a wider space for the hero, have been given full and interesting lives. This novel was a great escape and an incredible adventure that spanned fifty years and two continents. Love, honor and justice are at the center of the story while freedom and the mysteries of the human spirit hover at the edges. Allende has never let me down and "Zorro" is one of her finest accomplishments. Highly Recommended.
Having found Allende's most recent works of fiction to be lifeless, I purchased Zorro with more than a little trepidation. But, to my pleasant surprise, Zorro proved that Allende still has good fiction to share with her readers.

Two qualities made this book stand out from her other recent fiction offerings. First, Allende made a smart choice by focusing the story on Zorro's origin. By writing about these early adventures, Allende was able to take the reader into new territory with a character whose potential for original tales was seemingly exhausted. Second, she had fun with the character by finding that emotional connection she needs to write effectively. That fun was easily conveyed onto the page, thereby providing the reader with an entertaining, emotional story.

There is still room for improvement in this book. It gets more than a bit monotonous when every female character is portrayed as a strong, noble creature whose talents are unappreciated by insensitive males. And, the portrayal of Native Americans seemed a little too politically correct. But, these shortcomings don't overcome the book's energetic narrative and strong pacing. By providing a fresh, enjoyable take on a classic character, Zorro is the best fiction that Allende has written in several years.