Recommending Reader

 Zorro by Isabel Allende

           Allende’s novel of the early life of Zorro moves quickly, has an engaging narrator, and is action-packed.  Set in California from 1790 until 1840, the story tells how the son of a Spanish aristocrat becomes the celebrated Zorro who defends the poor and downtrodden of early California.   We meet Diego de la Vega as a boy trying to reconcile the different natures he observes in his parents:  his mother, a mestizo who disdains the gentrified behavior of the aristocratic Spaniards, and his father, one of those aristocratic Spaniards for whom appearance is everything.
          The bulk of the book takes place in Spain where Diego gets training from a famous swordsman, learns democratic views due to the influence of Napoleon in Spain, and perceives the disparity between the wealthy and the poor majority of Spanish society.  Diego learns the appeal of a mask, of having dual natures, and of adventure.  He makes enemies, experiences heartache, and develops compassion for those less fortunate.
          However, it is Diego’s relationship with his friend Bernardo that stands out in the book.  Bernardo, a poor Native American who is Diego’s playmate in the hacienda of his childhood in California, becomes a mute after witnessing a horrible crime, yet is still able to communicate with his “brother” Diego.  More levelheaded than Diego, Bernardo comes to Diego’s aid many times in the novel.  Bernardo becomes as important as Diego in creating Zorro.  It is Zorro’s exploits that will become the focus of both their lives.
          Allende uses a first person narrator whose identity is withheld until the last chapter.  The writing style is easy, at times a bit clichéd, but nearly always enjoyable.  Allende seems to delight in the moments when Zorro is fighting others:

Diego raced around the tables and chairs of the library, pretending to escape from Moncada’s attacks and at the same time provoking him with sarcastic comments as blows rained and steel sparked.  Moncada lost the cool head he made so much of.  He was breathing heavily with perspiration running down his forehead blinding him.  Diego judged that now he had his rival on the run.  Like a bull in the ring, he had to tire him.

          Allende writes pretty simply (one won’t learn many SAT-type words in her prose), but in a vivid style.  Sword fights, mysticism, romance, treachery, intense loyalty, pirates, gypsies all make their appearance in the book.  The reader comes to care about Diego. Even though the reader knows it will all turn out fine for Zorro, there is still satisfaction in making one’s way through the book.
          Zorro is a book anyone might enjoy, but would most please someone looking for a fast read with an enjoyable story, but it is ultimately not a story that will challenge the reader or give one deep thoughts to ponder.   Allende has been praised by Publishers Weekly as “a magician with words.”  While this reviewer won’t go that far, she does know how to tell a good story.

Develop something in particular that stood out for you in the  book.

Reflect on the author’s writing style, the point of view of the book, and share a sample from the book that depicts well the style of writing.   Comment on the writing style.

Finally, tell who might enjoy this book.