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tedski's review
3.0
I really tried to like this book more than just 3 stars' worth. Allende certainly has the chops - she strings words and creates strands of pearls, and creates vivid, unforgettable characters. The research into the historical period of the novel is also commendable - everything rang true. What held it back, though, was the slow pacing, and the excessive exposition - the old "Show, don't tell" maxim. Many times, while listening to the audiobook, I found myself mentally yelling at the author, "Quit explaining to me what happened and telling me what someone said. Show me the action, and give me some dialogue."
I never got a feeling of urgency during the scenes describing the rebellion and escapes. And in the end, I didn't share Zarite's sense of personal "triumph-despite-her-losses." The whole story just ended up like a souffle that's gone flat in the oven.
I could see this being turned into a great film, and it could be one of those rare ones that is actually better than the book. But, Google reveals nary a word about one.
I have two other books by Isabel Allende in my bookshelf, "Of Love and Shadows," and, "Paula." which, despite my underwhelming introduction to the author, with "Island, " I do look forward to reading.
I never got a feeling of urgency during the scenes describing the rebellion and escapes. And in the end, I didn't share Zarite's sense of personal "triumph-despite-her-losses." The whole story just ended up like a souffle that's gone flat in the oven.
I could see this being turned into a great film, and it could be one of those rare ones that is actually better than the book. But, Google reveals nary a word about one.
I have two other books by Isabel Allende in my bookshelf, "Of Love and Shadows," and, "Paula." which, despite my underwhelming introduction to the author, with "Island, " I do look forward to reading.
kimreadz's review
I just couldn't get interested in this one. The characters weren't relatable and the descriptions far too detailed. The story dragged too much and I gave up on it.
blueregard's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
It's very slice of life and has the Haitian revolution as a backdrop.
kdawg420's review
2.0
This was my second book by Isabel Allende, and after reading "The Wind Knows My Name," (which I ADORED), I was extremely disappointed. The pacing is uneven, and while there were a few moments of fast-paced activity and plot development, the pages were littered with heavy language and historical facts that read more like a textbook than a story. This was nothing like TWKMN, in which Allende integrates historical facts in a comprehensible way so that they are a relevant part of the story. I think the history of Haiti is important and this is the first I'd learned on the subject, but the story could have been edited and condensed to be an actionable tale that accurately and interestingly captures Haiti's history. Several reviews mention that the first half of the book drags on, while the second half picks up. However, I was still disappointed upon reading the first 100 pages of the second half. DNF for me.
readingraeorshine's review against another edition
5.0
Could not recommend highly enough, one of my very favorite books of all time.
mzstarr's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
javii's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
namelikescrabble's review
5.0
Where to start with this book? Probably where I usually do, with the characters. In this book, they are an apt place to begin. Personality is not lost in this sweeping tale of slavery, rebellion and family, as Allende confronts the Haitian slave revolt with style and grace. Of all the women in this book, and there are a few, the Europeans come off by far the worse, Tété, the protagonist and sometimes narrator, is an honest and refreshing voice, a strong character who gained my trust from the opening lines. Stood beside her various mistresses and "superiors", she embodied hard fought freedom and confidence, likewise with Violette Boisier.
By turns, I found this book engrossing and shocking. It is not a book for the faint hearted, I will admit, but the tale justifies the telling. The sultry heat of the Caribbean oozes from the pages of this book. Every character is created individual, and the writing has a certain kick to it often lacking in big-casted historical fiction such as this book. Relationships are explored and investigated, slaves and their owners, lovers, men and their mistresses, soldiers and their causes, brothers and sisters, mothers, wives, friends and enemies, each play their part in this saga. And yet, despite the intricacies, none of these relationships, (often unconventional and challenging to me as a modern reader) ever felt like set pieces.
All in all, a marvellous story, and a truly worthwhile read!
By turns, I found this book engrossing and shocking. It is not a book for the faint hearted, I will admit, but the tale justifies the telling. The sultry heat of the Caribbean oozes from the pages of this book. Every character is created individual, and the writing has a certain kick to it often lacking in big-casted historical fiction such as this book. Relationships are explored and investigated, slaves and their owners, lovers, men and their mistresses, soldiers and their causes, brothers and sisters, mothers, wives, friends and enemies, each play their part in this saga. And yet, despite the intricacies, none of these relationships, (often unconventional and challenging to me as a modern reader) ever felt like set pieces.
All in all, a marvellous story, and a truly worthwhile read!