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Zorro by Isabel Allende - 4* - My Review

Historical fiction that tells the story of how Don Diego de la Vega became the legendary Zorro, defender of the disadvantaged and downtrodden. It starts in California in the late 18th century with the tale of how Diego’s parents met. It is an entertaining adventure that takes the reader on an exciting journey from California to Spain and back, with several detours through other parts of the world. It is told in third person by an (initially) unnamed narrator. It is written in Allende’s typical flowing and florid style. It is long and densely written. It took me quite a while to read, and there are few logical stopping points, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Do not expect an entirely realistic narrative - just suspend disbelief and go with the flow.

When I was young, Disney had a TV series about Zorro, I think he was the first "superhero" I enjoyed. I found this book very entertaining as well.

I've had this book forever. I'm glad you liked it. One of these years I may actually read it.

Guess I’m in the minority on this one, I only gave it 2*. The Guy Williams tv series was a much loved part of my childhood and I thought Allende’s book was more reminiscent of that show than an original take on the legend.

Here is my reaction when I read this back when it was first published: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Phair wrote: "Guess I’m in the minority on this one, I only gave it 2*. The Guy Williams tv series was a much loved part of my childhood and I thought Allende’s book was more reminiscent of that show than an ori..."

I think it helped that I had very little knowledge of Zorro beforehand, so I wasn't comparing it to anything. Allende was actually asked to write an origin story for Zorro. Here's what I found out per BookBrowse:

"Allende was approached by John Gertz, who owns the rights to Zorro, to write a literary book about the famous character. Gertz's father had bought the rights to Zorro from McCulley in 1920 and, in conjunction with Disney, had developed Zorro into a TV series, comic book and feature film. When Gertz Jr bought the rights back it occurred to him that Zorro had never been portrayed in a 'serious' work of literature, so he started searching for a writer to hire - someone who knew California well, could think in Spanish and had a track record in historical research.

She at first said no but reconsidered.

Robin P wrote: "When I was young, Disney had a TV series about Zorro, I think he was the first "superhero" I enjoyed. I found this book very entertaining as well."

I had heard about a tv series but had never seen any of the episodes. I think it was on quite a long time ago? It makes sense that Zorro may have been the first "superhero."

Booknblues wrote: "I've had this book forever. I'm glad you liked it. One of these years I may actually read it."

Thanks, Booknblues. If you like Allende's writing style, you'll probably enjoy it. I thought she did a good job of balancing characterization with plot. There is a bit of antiquated terminology regarding the Romany and indigenous Californians.

this is a favorite of mine by her

Joanne wrote: "this is a favorite of mine by her"
Glad to hear you enjoyed it too, Joanne!