Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende - 3.5 stars

[Joy D]

Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende - 3.5 stars


Although this is labeled as magical realism in this Goodreads list, there are only a few instances in this book, which can easily be explained as a depiction of several characters' voodoo beliefs.

My review:
Historical fiction covering the years 1770-1810 set first in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) then in New Orleans, Island Beneath the Sea is an ambitious sweeping epic of the slave rebellion that resulted in Haitian independence, and the emigration of displaced people to multi-cultural New Orleans at the time of the Louisiana Purchase. Allende examines the horrors of slavery, the blending of different cultures in the wake of the mass emigration, and the strong bonds that form between people despite the severe social and racial barriers of the time. The storyline is centered around the mixed-race slave Tété and her maître, plantation owner Valmorain, their children, spouses, friends, acquaintances, and lovers. The burning desire for freedom permeates the story.

I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I appreciated learning more about this fascinating period of Haiti’s history. On the other hand, I sometimes found it a bit of a chore to pick up: the pacing seemed uneven, and the ending felt rushed. Allende includes lots of exposition about historical events taking place in other parts of the world, which at times tended to bog down the story.

As may be expected from a novel about slavery, the subject matter was grim. Content warnings include racism, sex in many forms (rape, plaçage, infidelity, prostitution, incest) and extreme violence (public executions, murder, infidelity, abuse, brutality, beatings).

I had previously read Allende’s Daughter of Fortune and loved it (link to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), so I thought I’d try another of her works. While I liked Island Beneath the Sea, it paled in comparison to the level of excellence in Daughter of Fortune. Perhaps my expectations were set too high. Even though I didn’t love this one, I still plan to read more of her work. Recommended to those interested in the history of Haiti and readers that enjoy historical stories of forbidden love, betrayal, and heartbreak.

I found it an ambitious undertaking only partially realized. 3.5 stars

Link to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Nicole R]

Hmmmm...I just finished The House of the Spirits, and, funnily, had many of the same critiques of that one: too much history that I was unfamiliar with (that is on me), a rushed ending, and a foray into rape and violence.

BUT, on the flip side, the setting of this book in Haiti and New Orleans really appeals to me!

I do want to read more Allende, but maybe I will go with Daughter of Fortune. Was it magical realism?

[Book Concierge]

Nicole R wrote: "Hmmmm...I just finished The House of the Spirits, and, funnily, had many of the same critiques of that one: too much history that I was unfamiliar with (that is on me), a rushed ending,..."

I would not classify DAUGHTER OF FORTUNE as magical realism. Good historical fiction, though.

[Nicole R]

Book Concierge wrote: "Nicole R wrote: "Hmmmm...I just finished The House of the Spirits, and, funnily, had many of the same critiques of that one: too much history that I was unfamiliar with (that is on me),..."

Good to know. That won't keep me from reading it by any means, but I can adjust my expectations because I definitely think of MR when I hear Allende's name!

[Jgrace]

I listened to Inés of My Soul before I read HOS. It was mostly early Chilean history from a very female perspective. I don't think there was any magical realism in it, but I thought it was good historical fiction. I'd like to tell you who read it, but I didn't record that. I had it on CD from the library and audible doesn't seem to have it.

[Joy D]

Nicole R, I agree with Book Concierge that Daughter of Fortune is not magical realism, but it is a very entertaining story and I highly recommend it.

Jgrace, I looked it up and Blair Brown performed the audio for Inés of My Soul. I will have to add this one to my TBR.