Island Beneath the Sea: A Novel (P.S.)
Release date: 2011 / 457 pages
Synopsis (from the back cover): Being a slave on the island of Saint-Domingue — the daughter of an African mother she never knew and a white sailor who brought her into bondage — Zarite, known as Tete, survives a childhood of brutality and fear, finding solace in the traditional rhythms of African drums and in her exhilarating initiation into the mysteries of voodoo…
First Sentence: Toulouse Valmorain arrived in Saint-Domingue in 1770, the same year the dauphin of France married the Austrian archduchess, Marie Antoinette.
Review: After the first few paragraphs, my surroundings disappeared, and I was transported, with travelmates I will never forget, on a three day journey into the heart of Haiti and the birth of Louisiana. After the first chapter, I caught my breath and wondered how in the world Allende can have so many fabulous stories inside her head! For those readers who enjoy Allende’s blend of history, characterization, and storytelling, Island Beneath the Sea will be a welcome new release. For those readers who have never read Allende, I would recommend this as a wonderful introduction.
I wish I could get all of my history from Allende’s pen. According to the notes at the end of the novel, Allende’s inspiration for this novel occurred when she ”stumbled upon the Haitian revolution… This is the only slave revolt in the world that had succeeded… These are people who came from differenet places in Africa. They didn’t share language. All they had in common were drums, a desire to be free, and voodoo. And they defeated Napoleon’s army.” Haiti has received so much attention recently due to the hurricane and this novel is a searing explication of the complex legacy this country endures.
Island explores the early transition from slavery to abolition in the U.S. as well, since the characters — white and black — are forced to flee Haiti during the revolt. The “family” lands in Louisiana just before the Lousiana Purchase occurs — and shares a fascinating exploration of how the current residents reacted to this historic event.
But beyond the historical and philosophical context of this novel, Allende creates rich, strong characters — black and white, male and female — who are each as complex and ambivalent as any real human being. I truly cannot recommend this novel enough — a sweeping saga that entertains as it educates and enriches.
Interested in winning a free copy? Drop me a comment below and I will choose a lucky winner by the weekend!
Also, feel free to check out reviews of the other titles on Allende’s book tour:
Tuesday, April 26th: Debbie’s Book Bag (Island Beneath the Sea)
Wednesday, April 27th: Books Like Breathing (Daughter of Fortune)
Thursday, April 28th: Unabridged Chick (Ines of My Soul)
Monday, May 2nd: Books Like Breathing (Portrait in Sepia)
Wednesday, May 4th: The House of the Seven Tails (Daughter of Fortune)
Thursday, May 5th: You’ve GOTTA Read This! (Daughter of Fortune)
Thursday, May 5th: Bookworm’s Dinner (Island Beneath the Sea)
Monday, May 9th: Books Like Breathing (Ines of My Soul)
Tuesday, May 10th: The Lost Entwife (Island Beneath the Sea)
Wednesday, May 11th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom (Island Beneath the Sea)
Thursday, May 12th: Life In Review (Daughter of Fortune)
Thursday, May 12th: Lit and Life (Island Beneath the Sea)
Monday, May 16th: Eclectic/Eccentric (Ines of My Soul)
Tuesday, May 17th: Book Club Classics! (Island Beneath the Sea)
Wednesday, May 18th: Diary of an Eccentric (Island Beneath the Sea)
Friday, May 20th: Rundpinne (Ines of My Soul)
Monday, May 23rd: Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books (Island Beneath the Sea)
Wednesday, May 25th: nomadreader (Daughter of Fortune)
Thursday, May 26th: The House of the Seven Tails (Portrait in Sepia)
Friday, May 27th: Rundpinne (Island Beneath the Sea)
Tuesday, May 31st: Unputdownables (Daughter of Fortune)
Thursday, June 2nd: Books Like Breathing (Island Beneath the Sea)
Isabel is as great a speaker as she is a writer. If you ever get a chance to hear her, do so. Search for her on Ted.com and you will see what I mean. I would love to win this book.
Please include me. I’m so excited to read this book – it’s already on my to-read list!
Our book club read Daughter of Fortune by her & loved it! Count me in for this one! Thanks!
Haven’t yet read this author. Thanks for the opportunity.
Sounds very interesting and different. Would love to read this one!
Claire
This is my absolute favorite genre. Historical fiction. Isabel Allende is a well-known success as well and I would very much enjoy reading this new book by her. Thanks for bringing us the review.
I have read most of Isabel Allende’s book. She writes with such feeling and understanding. You are truly with her on every page. I would enjoy winning this book. Thank you.
Unfortunately, my “comment” didn’t post, so here it is again:)
I would absolutely, “definitivamente” want to win this book. Please include me.
Isabel Allende is one of the people I would love to have at my dinnertable before I die…
Thanks for the chance!
Me, too. She sounds great.
This is the kind of book I love reading. Has me wanting to read this one. I have never read Isabel Allende. I want to read some of her other books now. Count me in on this one.
I love Isabel Allende’s books. I don’t know alot about Haiti and would be thrilled to learn about it from Allende. Tet sounds like an amazing, interesting character whose story I cannot wait to read. As you said, once you start reading a book by Isabel Allende, you are transported to a different time and place as your surroundings melt away!
Thank you for this review and an opportunity to win Island Beneath the Sea.
Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to read this story. Thanks.
I would absolutely love to win a copy, so thanks for the opportunity! My mom is a huge fan of Allende but I somehow have yet to read one of her books. Island Beneath the Sea sounds like an absolutely wonderful story.
This book has been on my radar, would love to win a copy’
This has ben on my radar, would love to win a copy.
I am not up on Haiti history either but I would love to learn. The Voodoo part sounds like Africa to me. Would love to read this book.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
i would love a copy of this book. Thanks!
I have loved every one of Ms Allende’s books and have heard her speak – she was by far the most interesting and real of all the authors we heard.
After taking a chance on contacting her before leading our book club discussion of the House of the Spirits, she is one of the very few authors who took the time not only to answer my questions but later to send me a small hand- sewn Peruvian scene which I framed and still have.
She is a talented writer, gifted speaker and very thoughtful person.
I would love to read this book by a different author that I have not already heard of. Thanks
If it’s by Isabel Allende, it has to be engrossing historical fiction at its best. Please count me in–I’d love to read her new book!
I’m a big fan of Isabel Allende and absolutely loved her book “Daughter of Fortune”. It would be an absolute pleasure to win this book. Thank you so much for this giveaway.
I would love a chance to read this book! She’s a talented author and one I always read! Thanks for offering another great book!
“I wish I could get all of my history from Allende’s pen.” That is perhaps the highest compliment, in my opinion.
Thanks for being on the tour – I’m so glad you loved Allende’s writing. I think she’s amazing.
I love Allende’s books. Like you, I can’t fathom how she has so many stories to tell. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy.
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com
Thank you for such a thoughtful review. I am a huge history fan… and my major in college. I would love to add this book to my collection of history books and novels.