“Allende is a master storyteller at the peak of her powers.” — Los Angeles Times From the sugar plantations of Saint-Domingue to the lavish parlors of New Orleans at the turn of the 19th century, the latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Isabel Allende (Inés of My Soul, The House of the Spirits, Portrait in Sepia) tells the story of a mulatta woman, a slave and concubine, determined … woman, a slave and concubine, determined to take control of her own destiny.
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This is not a book I would have pick up on my own but the description was interesting and the price made a potential disappointment worth the risk. I was, however, drawn into a story well crafted with characters I enjoyed spending time with.
Liked how historical reality is told through an interesting fiction well told.
Allende is a wonderful story teller. Her characters are memorable!
I’ve read several of Allende’s books and I think this may be my favorite. The story begins on the French island colony Saint Domingue, and moves to New Orleans during the revolution in which the independent country Haiti was born. Throughout the story of a female slave reminded me of Marlon James’ “Book of Night Women.” Both Allende and James …
Excellent insight into critical period off Haiti and New Orleans history via theuse of historical novel
Felt a dimension not possible with straight chronological account. Great read.
This work of historical fiction is not for the faint of heart or those who think lightly of slavery. It follows the conditions of slavery in Saint Domingue (Haiti), the small rebellions, the big one led by Toussaint Louverture, the flight of French slave holders to New Orleans, the conditions and race relations in New Orleans, the effects of the …
Great perspective on Haitian history and the elements that provoked the revolution leading to Haiti’s independence. Unsentimental and unflinching look at the socio economic, racial and caste issues.
Great history of Haiti, New Orleans. I learned so much about how slavery began in this country, the life of slaves, freemen and slave owners.
An extraordinary tale of courage and conviction against all odds. A sparkling slice of history from the authentic point of view of the oppressed rather than the oppressor.
Literally couldn’t put down. Intriguing characters and as usual, from Allende, prose verging on poetry!
Allende never fails to deliver a good read.
Highly recommend this book.
First Isabel Allende book I have read. Will look for more by this author. Riveting.
I was impressed by the knowledge of the writer about the events unfolding in the region and found the book very informative and of course interesting!
A great read. Silence has always been one of my favorite writers.
I enjoyed this book. A good story, with characters I cared about, and I learned a thing or two about the time period.
Isabel Allende is one of my favorite story tellers. Her books never disappoint!
Fantastic
Will keep your interest throughout the entire story
Very informative. A bit hard to read.
Excellent read. Gave a good background of the history of Haiti and the different nationalities that contributed to it’s development. All within a great fictional story.