Isabel Allende.
I well remember being introduced to her debut novel ‘The House of the Spirits’ in my early twenties by a good friend and discovering this wonderful story teller. We became immersed in the lives of members of a Latin American family, following it during a time of political upheaval and personal transformation and though it was far from our own reality, it was pure joy to escape into.
Whenever I came across a new book I read it, including two of her wonderful young adult books ‘City of the Beasts’ and ‘The Kingdom of the Dragon’ and who could forget the heart-breaking but beautiful ‘Paula’. I haven’t read all her books, but I will continue to read those that cross my 
bookish path, just as ‘Island Beneath the Sea’ did recently, spotted on my book buddy’s shelf while feeding her son’s cat Oscar.
In this gripping novel, Allende takes us on a troubling but engaging journey to the sugar cane plantations of what was the French colony Sainte-Domingue, in one of its most historic and transformational eras during the late 1700’s and ends in New Orleans as Napolean trades terrains as if they are commodities with the Americans.
Toulouse Valmorain arrives in the colony from France where the dauphin King has just married Marie-Antoinette and few anticipate the changes to come with revolution in France or the effect that will have on this prosperous Caribbean island where slaves labour on crops that produce a third of the wealth of France and whose usefulness once they set foot on the island averages eighteen months; the fortunate dubbed the Maroons fleeing to the hills, the less fortunate en route to that place they believe all souls go, the island beneath the sea.
Knowing little of changing French laws that might change their status in the colony, many of the slaves find respite through voodoo and belief in men who escaped like the legend Macandal ‘The Black Messiah’. The Maroons will make history as they lead a slave revolt eventually resulting in the first black republic of Haiti.
Valmorain never expected to visit the family plantations but the premature death of his father and the necessity of supporting remaining family in France drive him to the colony where he must take over the family interests. Through him we meet high profile cocotte Violette Boisier, a free woman of mixed African heritage, the teenage slave Zarité, maid to Eugenia the troubled Spanish wife and her brother Sancho, Valmorain’s business partner. The story follows these characters as their fates intertwine and their lives are affected by society’s strictures and historical events.
The characters of Zarité and Violette jump off the page in a way that almost makes me wonder whether the author had her ‘favourite’ characters, we see them in situations and feel their struggles whereas I didn’t get quite the same feeling with the character of Eugenia, I found myself wondering how it really was for her as the drumbeats got inside her head and slowly drove her to madness. She wasn’t a strong character and although she suffered, we learn of it rather than experience it.
I realised towards the end that much of the novel is narrated, which also made me wonder how much longer it could have been if more of the narrative had been portrayed through the events themselves and dialogue, the characters are certainly engaging enough but at 457 pages, it is lengthy already. After being totally engaged with Josephine Bonaparte’s story beginning in another Caribbean plantation in Martinique, I could easily have been tempted by a sequel.
Allende narrates great stories and brings the reader to unforgettable settings during fascinating historic periods; she places interesting characters in this context, constructed with great clarity and insight and history comes alive as if it is the present and the reader is witness to it. For me ‘Island beneath the Sea’ was a real page turner and I was sad to finish it.
What Allende could never have anticipated while writing this book, was the major earthquake in 2010 that would disrupt this country, now known as Haiti, however it is a timely reminder of the previous chapters in the history of this trailblazing republic.
Word by Word 
Good review! ‘ve read one of her works, Daughter of Fortune, and loved loved loved the story. I would certainly pick up another Allende book and give it a go, she is one of the best writers on this planet.
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Yes, it’s always a pleasure to lose oneself in one of her books.
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I too remember falling in love with Allende after reading House of the Spirits (and being oh so disappointed with the movie!). And since then I’ve read her books and never quite get as much satisfaction. Sounds like this one falls short as well. I loved what you pointed out about so much exposition that would’ve served the book better as narrative. I like your reviews so much I put you on my blogroll! Thanks.
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I haven’t seen the movie, always a risk after loving a book, but there’s something about Allende’s story telling that keeps me coming back for more. I also love the opportunity to read stories derived from other cultures even when they are translated, as Allende is. It adds something unique to the voice.
Thank you for adding my link to your blogroll, that’s very kind.
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Another wonderful critique!
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Thank you 🙂
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I, too, love Isabel Allende, but I don’t know that I’ve ready anything since “Paula.” That was a heart wrenching and difficult read for me. I haven’t heard of this one, but I will look for it. Thanks for another great review!
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I haven’t heard of this work by Allende, Claire. I have to stop reading your blog–you are adding far too much to my reading list! As always, I enjoy your thoughtful reviews, and I am completely lying that I would stop reading your blog.
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And here I was worrying about reviewing books that may not have popular appeal. My reading list is growing too fast as well, looking forward to a quiet Christmas!
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Claire, I will admit I have only read two of Allende’s works and I’m not a fan. My mother, however, is a hard core Allende fan! She has read every one of her novels and tells me I’m crazy for not appreciating a wonderful author like Allende. I must point out that my mother reads Allende’s novels in her native Spanish and perhaps therein lies the difference. I have not heard of this work, but I was so excited when I saw your post. Constantly being on the lookout for new books to buy mum, I immediately took note and will search for it on Barnes and Noble. Thank you, Claire! 🙂
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I’ve often wondered what gets lost in translation and I admit I have a more critical eye today than I did when I first discovered Allende, but nostalgic connections are hard to dismiss and I remain in awe of her wonderful storytelling ability and imagination. I am sure your Mum will love this one too. 🙂
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I actually also liked the movie of The House of Spirits (well I saw the movie as a teenager before reading the book and I had a little crush on Antonio Banderas :-)) If you can get your hands of her novel Of love and shadows, I can highly recommend it 🙂
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I still love any film that has Banderas in it! I haven’t read ‘Of Love & Shadows’ but know I wil eventually get through them all, thanks for the recommendation.
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I just scored both Paula and Daughter of Fortune at a used book store! Which would you recommend that I read first? Getting ready to dive in to a new book this week.
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Read ‘Daughter of Fortune’ and then brace yourself for ‘Paula’ with a box of tissues ready. Enjoy!
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This sounds wonderful – Allende can certainly spin a good yarn! I’m doing the Around the World in 80 Books reading challenge – this guarantees Haiti will be one place I visit 🙂
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Yes, her more recent works seem to attract mixed reviews, but I like the way she immerses us into the world she has created.
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