Zorro - Isabel Allende's newest book

I picked up an autographed copy of Isabel Allende's latest novel, Zorro a couple of weeks ago. I decided to start reading it last night. It looks like another classic piece of literature.

Isabel Allende, was born in Peru and raised in Chile. Her uncle was Salvador Allende who's popular government was toppled by C.I.A. backed Fascists on 9/11 1973. Shortly after the coup, she went into exile.

Originally a journalist, Isabel later turned to writing fiction. She wrote the landmark epic, House of the Spirits which deals with generations of family tradition. It celebrates the contiunium women maintain throughout time. The novel follows their contributions to Humanity; regardless of the challenges and suffering they endure. Allende has several other works and all are highly reccomended reads because her style constantly changes.

The opening lines of this most recent novel reflect Allende's powerful, unique voice whose beauty resonates with the lyrical intonations of Spanish - the language in which she pens all of her work.

"With this document I intend to set the record straight before the slanderers who are determined to defame Zorro have their say. Our enemies are many, as is often the case with those who defend the weak, rescue damsels in distress, and humiliate the powerful. Naturally, every idealist attracts enemies, but we prefer to count our friends, who are much greater in number. I am compelled to recount these adventures because it serves little purpose for Diego to risk his life for the sake of justice if no one knows of it. Heroism is a badly remunerated occupation, and often it leads to an early end, which is why it appeals to fanatics or persons with an unhealthy fascination with death. There are all too few heroes with a romantic heart and a fun-loving nature. Let me say it straight out: there is no one like Zorro."

Thus begins he swashbuckling adventure about a man with conviction, Quixotic yet capable of holding his own against corrupt, powerful foes; the kind of hero we could use today.

Whenever I read Allende, I can see the world stripped of all its trappings, I see nothing is so overwhelming that it cannot be dealt with. When all else is lost, there is always hope. I love how she celebrates the triumph of the Human Spirit.

She is one of my favorites. I have no doubt I am going to enjoy this novel immensely.