“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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A bit slow going for Allende. In depth and historical in her usual style. I enjoyed it but not as well as some of her others
this was my first book by this author, but I have already ordered another of her books. I love the way she writes.
‘Ms Allende can always be counted on to tell a good story
Good Allende writing
Another great book by Isabel Allende.
Isabel Allende is among my favorite authors, mostly because of her engaging story telling, attention to historical detail, her humane sense of politics and her measured use of magical realism. This story, based in Haiti and New Orleans is imbued with the social consequences of slavery and colonialism, and the universality of longing. A book worth …
Great, well-researched historical fiction. One of the best I’ve read in a while.
Brings historical accuracy alive!
Isabelle Allende is one of world’s greatest living writers. This example features compelling characters and interesting if tragic situations. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys serious literary fiction.
Kept my attention. A look at what life was like.
Loved it.
Not Allende’s best, but okay.
Isabelle writes beautifully
Love the author. Love magical realism.
Allende always has a good story to tell. One of my favorite writers.
This epic tale of a piece of history I knew little about was fascinating. I read another story of Haiti’s revolution that was so graphic I couldn’t finish it, but the characters in this book and their experiences of it made it understandable instead of just shocking. When the central family moved to New Orleans, I could picture a whole new world …
I love historic fiction. It’s a digestible way to learn about times, places, events with a more personable touch.
Allende is a stellar story teller.
Island beneath the Sea is history the way I like it – with real live people I can love, and other equally real people I can’t help but fear and heartily dislike. I found it hard to put the book down. I wish everyone would read it in order to have a better understanding of our persistent racial difficulties. Could it possibly be made into a movie? …
Very informative about the early days of slavery in Haiti and in New Orleans. Great character development.